After more than two years of serving as environmental programmes manager designate, Paul Watler has been promoted to environmental programmes manager at the National Trust for the Cayman Islands.
The promotion, effective 1 February, was announced by the Trust recently.
“Paul has served as environmental programmes manager designate since obtaining his Master’s Degree in 2009, during which time he has actively participated in every aspect of the job and we are confident in his ability to fulfil the official management role,” said Carla Reid, National Trust chairwoman. “We are very proud to have a young Caymanian, who joined us straight out of university, rise through the ranks to this position.”
Mr. Watler said he is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities the position presents.
“I’m excited about the opportunities my new capacity at the Trust will bring,” Mr. Watler said. “We have much work to do across all three Islands in terms of habitat protection and overall knowledge of their biodiversity.”
Mr. Watler’s enjoyment of outdoor pursuits began at a young age helping out on his family farm in Grand Cayman. Having earned a biology degree at Hiram College in Ohio, United States, Mr. Watler came to the attention of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands while volunteering with the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme. He subsequently joined the trust as a field officer, guiding nature tours and field trips, leading conservation-themed presentations at schools and monitoring the trust’s protected areas.
In 2008, Mr. Watler was awarded a prestigious Overseas Territories Environment Programme fellowship to pursue a Master’s of Science in Conservation and Biodiversity at the University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus.
Upon the completion of his degree, he returned to the trust to continue his work as environmental programmes manager designate.
Mr. Watler’s duties have included updating the Environmental Heritage Register, redrafting protected area management plans, managing trust reserves, assisting with the purchase of sensitive habitats, and building public awareness of conservation issues.
“The trust is very fortunate to have a qualified Caymanian like Paul, who brings both expertise and tenacity to his work,” said Christina McTaggart, general manager for the National Trust. “Paul is a delight to work with and an asset to the Trust.”
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the trust, which is tasked with preserving Cayman’s natural and built heritage.
For further information on the work of the trust, visit nationaltrust.org.ky or call 749-1121.
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