James Sawyer

James’ role focuses on the delivery of Common Seas impact managing a multi-disciplinary team to deliver a science-based approach to engage key stakeholders in government and business, to make change on important transboundary issues.

James has over 25 years of experience in conservation, environment, emergencies, and animal sectors working on the delivery of key change at intergovernmental, governmental, and corporate levels from protected area management to environmental disclosure. James career highlights include policy changes to UN frameworks, achievements in international and national level policy and implementation and management of environmental disclosure of over 6000 companies and their supply chains in more than 600 cities states and regions.

James has an MSc in Emergency Planning and Disaster Management and is the co-author of ‘Animal Welfare and Management in Natural Disasters’. He is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a Chartered Geographer. He is also an explorer, credited with first explorations of rainforest in the Philippines and Madagascar; returning new species candidates and obtaining the first photos in the wild for several key species.

He joined Common Seas because our mission is important to him - the way it effects change is aligned with his view of nearly three decades on how sustainable change occurs. The challenge is great, but believes we essentially have all the tools and technology to change our outcomes.

In his spare time James is a keen mountain biker, outdoor enthusiast and a great lover of cinema.