Role at Cawthron
James is a Cawthron’s Transdisciplinary Science Group Manager, with a multi-disciplinary background in agricultural economics, development studies and terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecology gained in Africa, Scotland, Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. His research solves complex natural resource management problems, focussing on achieving climate resilient development with coastal and island communities. He applies participatory systems research to develop tools and processes with decision-makers that enable them to better understand future change, and to adapt and innovate accordingly. At Cawthron, James’ projects involve transforming coastal food systems, adaptation in commercial and recreational fisheries and aquaculture, and blue carbon conservation and restoration
Technical skills, experience and interests
Social-ecological systems understanding
Adaptation pathways planning
Monitoring, evaluation and learning
Knowledge integration, including traditional and Indigenous knowledge
Governance and power mapping
Workshop facilitation and knowledge brokering
Conflict resolution
Qualifications
1989: BSc (Hons.), Agricultural Economics and Management, University of Reading (UK)
1994: MSc, Tropical Resource Ecology Programme, University of Zimbabwe
1998: PhD, Tropical Resource Ecology Programme, University of Zimbabwe
2010: Diploma, Australian Institute of Company Directors
ORCID profile URL: James Butler (0000-0001-8333-947X) (orcid.org)
Web of Science URL: Butler, James RA – Web of Science Core Collection
