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Dr. Thomas
...has a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Arizona State University. His research interests include conservation/sustainable use and traditional ecological wisdom of indigenous people. He is a fellow in the Explorers Club, has been named "Explorer of the Year," and honored by Rolex and others for his exploration in New Guinea.
Dr. Thomas has worked in the most remote regions of Papua New Guinea to record local environmental knowledge. He is particularly interested in the potential for indigenous knowledge to provide a blueprint for the conservation of the earth’s remaining wild lands. Dr. Thomas hopes that by exposing conservationists to the possibilities of indigenous knowledge, they will be more willing to adopt local models of sustainability and involve local people in the conservation of their lands. He is currently working with Conservation International to develop a "Forest Stewards" program to conserve the largest and least explored wilderness in New Guinea.
Dr. Thomas has been recognized by the United Nations for the development of research methodologies in the use of indigenous knowledge. UNESCO‘s Management of Social Transformations Program (MOST) has recognized Dr. Thomas for his development of one of the planet’s “Best Practices Using Indigenous Knowledge.” In addition to being innovative, these Best Practices were chosen for their potential to make a difference and inspire others to develop sustainable use strategies for the environment. His work has been funded by Conservation International, The Indo-Pacific Conservation Alliance and the National Geographic Society.
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