Wildlife photography, canoeing, snorkelling and diving, swimming, hiking, gardening yoga
Karen Anne Baird
Auckland
Summary
Experienced in wildlife and conservation management, I possess valuable skills in communication, problem-solving, and planning. These abilities have consistently led to successful outcomes. Additionally, I have a proven track record of effectively engaging with diverse stakeholders, including international organizations and local communities, through exceptional communication and networking skills.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Threatened and Migratory Species Adviser
Secretariat for the Pacific Regional Environment Programme
04.2019 - Current
- SPREP position: https://www.sprep.org/team-member/strategic-policy-and-technical-programmes/karen-baird
- This role focuses on the iconic marine species of the Pacific whales and dolphins, marine turtles, dugong, sharks and rays and seabirds
- I have completed the development of a new strategic plan - Pacific Island Regional Marine Species Programme2022-2026 which for the first time includes an action plan on seabirds
- Our role is very much providing environmental advice and support to the21 Pacific Island Countries and Territories of the SPREP region
- This includes assisting to identify priorities and finding funding to support conservation activities on the ground
- For example, we have activities that are supporting countries to develop National Plans of Action for seabirds, sharks and rays and turtles
- This includes Vanuatu which is one country that appears to present a significant threat to seabirds from its flagged vessels in international waters
- I have a number of activities funded to support the implementation of the new Seabird Action Plan over the next few years including the development of a Pacific seabird monitoring manual and provision of training
- My role also includes supporting Pacific engagement in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and on the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) as well as engaging in the International Whaling Commission processes
- This includes setting up and running pre-COP meetings, supporting Pacific Parties at COP meetings and provision of technical advice and support including funding for capacity building
- I also supported and hosted the4th Meeting of Signatories to the Pacific Cetacean MOU in2021, held online
- I also support our whole biodiversity team with advice on all species management issues
- A major part of the role involves liaising and working with NGOs based across the Pacific who deliver conservation activities on the ground
- We often find funds to support their activities and may also contract them as consultants to deliver on the ground projects
- Contracting and managing projects is a key part of my role, including for NGOs and professional consultants
- Through SPREP I have strong links with international organisations and funders in the European Union, various government funds such as through the French, US, UK and NZ and Australia as well as funds such as Darwin, International Climate Initiative and joint initiatives such as Kiwa
- I am also currently the chair of the Northern New Zealand Seabird Trust
- Https://www.nzseabirdtrust.com/
Marine Advocate – Seabirds
Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society of New Zealand
01.2013 - 03.2019
- The focus of this role was two-fold with a major focus on seabird advocacy in NZ particularly representing F&B on the Seabird Advisory Group to develop NZ’s latest National Plan of Action for Seabirds
- My role also extended to supporting BirdLife partners in the Pacific on seabird issues and continuing to represent BirdLife at RFMOs and advocating for improvements to Seabird Conservation and Management Measures
- Also attending ACAP meetings
- Worked closely with China in particular and arranged the first seabird bycatch workshop in China at Shanghai Ocean University
- Regional Coordinator BirdLife Marine Programme
Kermadec Campaigner and Seabird Conservation Advocate
Forest & Bird and BirdLife International
01.2009 - 01.2013
- I was one of four National Conservation Advocates for Forest & Bird
- My roles were campaign manager for the Kermadecs Ocean Sanctuary Campaign as well as a national seabird advocate
- My work for BirdLife International (contracted through F&B) was focused around Tuna Commissions (Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, RFMO’s) and efforts to reduce bycatch of albatrosses and petrels in the world’s oceans
- NZ has the most diverse seabird fauna in the world with86 types of seabirds of which nearly half are endemic
- They are at risk in NZ as well as when they migrate into international waters and other countries jurisdictions
- I attended international scientific meetings and commission meetings for the various RFMO’s presenting papers on bycatch of seabirds and gaining improvements in bycatch measures
- I was involved in the prep com meetings for SPRFMO and was involved in the development of the first seabird measure for that convention
- In NZ I worked closely with government agencies such as DOC and MPI including representing F&B on various stakeholder working groups.
Programme Manager
Department of Conservation Kermadec Islands
01.2006 - 01.2009
- I was responsible for managing the Kermadec Islands restoration programme for the Department of Conservation
- This programme was managed out of the Warkworth Area Office with five staff based on Raoul Island
- In addition, I had up to14 volunteers contracted annually to assist with the programme
- DOC staff from other regions were also encouraged to join the programme on secondment
- The Raoul Island programme focused on weed control which is part of a long-term initiative to restore the islands which started in the1970’s
- My role included managing the budget and ensuring the remote base ran smoothly, overseeing the recruitment, training and deployment of island staff and volunteers and overseeing the restoration programme
- As programme manager liaison with other government agencies including the Combined Armed Forces, Rescue Coordination Centre of NZ, NIWA, GNS, and NZ MetService was a key part of the role
- I took over the role shortly after the eruption that killed DOC staffer Mark Kearney and a large part of the role including implementing new H&S requirements and volcanic monitoring systems working closely with GNS.
Managing Director
Kiwi Wildlife Tours Ltd
01.1997 - 01.2006
- In1997, I established Kiwi Wildlife Tours NZ Ltd, a tourism company specialising in birding tours around New Zealand and to the Pacific
- As well as running our own tours we were ground agents in New Zealand for a number of overseas companies
- We also researched, established and ran tours to Pacific Island countries including Fiji, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia
- Other destinations included Australia and Sri Lanka
- I, along with my husband, also set up Pterodroma Pelagics and ran seabird tours in the Hauraki Gulf, and elsewhere in New Zealand
- We maintained a seabird observation programme which includes a study of the re-discovered New Zealand storm petrel
- In2001 Kiwi Wildlife Tours was awarded a NZ Aid Feasibility Study Grant to investigate eco-tourism possibilities with Pacific Island partners or associates
- We visited Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia
- During this period, I was active in promoting NZ as a birding destination including developing a network of birding tour operators in New Zealand (the NZ Birding Network) and representing our group and my company at international birding shows such as the annual Bird fair in England.
Conservation Consultancy
01.1996 - 01.1998
- In2004 I was contracted for3 months by the DOC NRO to progress the Marine Classification Project (North Island section)
- In winter2002 and2005 I was contracted to coordinate and run the kiwi surveys for LBI and Kawau Island
- I was employed on contract to DOC to prepare a strategy for the ecological restoration of Kawau Island, working with the Department, Auckland Regional Council and local landowners
- I have also undertaken some contract work for the Ministry for the Environment analysing District Plans
Conservation Contracts
DOC Hamilton Regional Office
01.1996 - 01.1998
- Marine Mammal Permit and Freshwater Permit Processing contract
- Marine Reserve process development for Great Barrier Island, Auckland Conservancy
- Monitoring of Shore Plover released on Motuora Island in the Hauraki Gulf
- Preparation of the DOC Southland submission on the Southland Regional Coastal Plan
- Involvement in the DOC attempted eradication on Stewart Island of the invasive Asian Seaweed Undaria
- During this period I was also involved in establishing my wildlife tour company Kiwi Wildlife Tours NZ Ltd
Senior Conservation Officer, Coastal and Marine
Otago Conservancy, Department of Conservation
01.1989 - 01.1996
- This position was responsible for advocacy, promotion and protection of the coastal and marine environment of the Otago Region
- Developed marine reserve proposals for the region and the development of the Nugget Point Marine Reserve Proposal through to application stage
- This process involved several years of public education and consultation, with a diverse range of groups including NGO’s, fishing groups, other government departments, iwi groups and schools
- I was also responsible for coordinating the marine survey of the proposed site as part of the assessment process
- Prior to the establishment of the Resource Management Act (1991) I was responsible for assessment and analysis of coastal consents
- I was also involved at the regional level in the development of coastal policy including the National Coastal Policy and the Regional Coastal Plan
- Responsible for marine mammal protection and management in the region
- I was involved in the development of the marine mammal permitting system for marine mammal tour operators and the monitoring of their impacts
- As part of my role in marine mammal protection I assisted on the research teams on the Auckland Islands for NZ sea Lions and Southern Right Whales
- Maintenance of marine mammal rescue response readiness and training and involvement in the early stages of oil spill response strategy development in the region
- Research dive assistance in Fiordland
Environmental Policy Analyst
Ministry for the Environment
01.1988 - 01.1989
- I was employed during the Environmental Law Reform Process and contributed to analysis of existing legislation, particularly in relation to the coast and freshwater habitats
- My role involved:
- Membership of a national coastal policy working party, which provided advice on the direction of the new legislation
- Reporting on the effectiveness of the existing legislation and other mechanisms in protecting the freshwater resource
- Involvement in the extensive public consultation during the reform process
- Convenor and facilitator on two working parties on the National Water Conservation Orders for the Ahuriri and Mataura Rivers
- Providing advice on the effectiveness of the ‘Environmental Protection and Enhancement Procedures’
- Ministerial’s
- Educational role relating to international issues including climate change and ozone depletion
Wildlife Service, Northland
01.1985 - 01.1988
- Major work areas included: Registration and evaluation of wetlands and indigenous forests retained by private forestry companies to advocate for their protection
- Additional fauna survey work and advice on coastal issues.
Research Assistant
NZ Wildlife Service, Kapiti Island
01.1983 - 01.1985
- This field-oriented position involved working on Kapiti Island studying the breeding success of Little Spotted Kiwi
- I also undertook a study on the feeding behaviour and food preferences of kiwi.
Wildlife Surveyor
New Zealand Wildlife Service
01.1983 - 09.1983
- Auckland
- Working as part of a team of two, I was involved in a 6-month survey of Auckland’s Wildlife Management and Wildlife Refuges for the development of management plans.
Education
Environmental Law
Otago University
01.1989
Master of Science - Entomology, Evolution and Animal Ecology
Auckland University
01.1983
BSc - Marine Biology, Animal Morphogenesis, Entomology, Botany, Environmental Geology, Environmental Biology, Environment200, Animal Ecology, Freshwater Ecology, Social Behaviour of Animals and Animal Orientation and Timing
Auckland University
01.1981
Skills
Wildlife and conservation management expert
Project Management
Staff management and support and training
Affiliations
- Birds New Zealand https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/
- Co-Chair, Northern New Zealand Seabird Trust https://www.nzseabirdtrust.com/
- IUCN SSC Cetacean Specialist Group
Interests
Timeline
Threatened and Migratory Species Adviser
Secretariat for the Pacific Regional Environment Programme
04.2019 - Current
Marine Advocate – Seabirds
Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society of New Zealand
01.2013 - 03.2019
Kermadec Campaigner and Seabird Conservation Advocate
Forest & Bird and BirdLife International
01.2009 - 01.2013
Programme Manager
Department of Conservation Kermadec Islands
01.2006 - 01.2009
Managing Director
Kiwi Wildlife Tours Ltd
01.1997 - 01.2006
Conservation Consultancy
01.1996 - 01.1998
Conservation Contracts
DOC Hamilton Regional Office
01.1996 - 01.1998
Senior Conservation Officer, Coastal and Marine
Otago Conservancy, Department of Conservation
01.1989 - 01.1996
Environmental Policy Analyst
Ministry for the Environment
01.1988 - 01.1989
Wildlife Service, Northland
01.1985 - 01.1988
Research Assistant
NZ Wildlife Service, Kapiti Island
01.1983 - 01.1985
Wildlife Surveyor
New Zealand Wildlife Service
01.1983 - 09.1983
Master of Science - Entomology, Evolution and Animal Ecology
Auckland University
BSc - Marine Biology, Animal Morphogenesis, Entomology, Botany, Environmental Geology, Environmental Biology, Environment200, Animal Ecology, Freshwater Ecology, Social Behaviour of Animals and Animal Orientation and Timing
Auckland University
Environmental Law
Otago University
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