My educational background is in zoology, ecology and conservation and wildlife management. I had a 26-year (1986-2012) career in UNESCO serving World Natural Heritage and ecological and earth sciences. Since 2012 I have been, and continue to be engaged with various international and national research centers and institutes in China. I am the Editor-in-Chief of Environmental Development (Elsevier) and an Honorary Professor at the University of Exeter, UK. I have well over 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals on Asian elephant ecology, wildlife and protected area management, sustainable development including tourism and related issues.