Originally from California, Ben is passionate about mutual learning and development of a deeper shared understanding of sustainability through support and inclusion of community-based conservation approaches, and the opportunities that can be opened up by collaborations across government, communities, civil society, scientists, business, artists, and others. He previously worked for 7 years as an expert witness for the California state government in consumer advocacy and regulation of distributed clean energy, building and transportation electrification, as well as working for Land Empowerment Animals People (LEAP) in support of community-based conservation projects and seeking sustainable, alternative energy options to fossil fuels in Sabah. In addition to his background in energy regulation, he also has an MSc in Ecology and Conservation from the University of Aberdeen with a focus on processes that enable co-existence of plant species and shape community composition of tropical forests -- and an irresistible attraction toward fungi. Ben supports fundraising and reporting across all of Forever Sabah’s program areas and is closely involved in the Sabah Renewable Energy Rural Electrification (RE2) program and work to raise awareness of and reduce methane emissions from Sabah’s oil and gas sector.
