The value of qualitative approaches to impact evaluation in biodiversity conservation

Author

Will Sharkey | DPhil Student

After completing my undergraduate studies, I worked for a not-for-profit organisation where I analysed survey data to support a community-based monitoring programme in Guyana. Examining perceptions and observations on trends in hunting, fisheries management and traditional and commercial farming practices sparked my interest in natural resource management and led me to pursue an MSc at Imperial College London. Following my MSc, I worked for a consulting firm specialising in fisheries and the management of aquatic environments. Here, I was fortunate to work on range of interdisciplinary projects and gain field experience in Liberia, west Africa. Working with local fishers and government agency staff on issues of livelihoods furthered my interest in community-based management and my desire to return to academia to undertake a PhD.