Curriculum Vitae
Name
Nationality
Date of Birth
Home Address
:
:
:
:
Contacts
:
Languages
:
Anthony Conrad Sebastian
Malaysian
19 February 1962
74, Taman Dirgahayu
Lrg. Wan Abdul Rahman 6
93300 Kuching, Sarawak
Malaysia
Tel: (6-082) 428004
Fax: (6-082) 424084
Email: [email protected]
English
Malay / Indonesian
Hokkien (Fu-Jian)
Mandarin
Spoken
Fluent
Fluent
Fluent
Basic
Written
Fluent
Fluent
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QUALIFICATIONS
Degree
:
Bachelor of Science (Hons)
Major : Environmental Science (Zoology)
Minor : Management
Institution
:
University of Science, Malaysia
11800 Minden,
Penang, Malaysia.
CAREER HISTORY
1995 - present
Natural Resource Management Consultant
Working as part of a resource pool of consultants under Aonyx Environmental, based in
Kuching, East Malaysia. The services offered are broadly divided into two categories: Scientific
& Technical and Interpretative. Scientific & technical services cover policy review and
development, institutional mechanisms, research and conservation projects, biodiversity
assessment and management, natural resource planning and management, protected areas,
ecological monitoring, proposal development, ecotourism planning and evaluation,
environmental impact assessments etc. Interpretative services include design of environmental
strategies for corporate bodies, green projects, ecotourism concept designs, nature
interpretation & training, educational programmes and awareness campaigns, lectures, etc.
1993 - 1994
Programme Officer, Asian Wetland Bureau
Continuation of previous duties, including networking within the region. Maintaining a
database and the provision of an info-bank service on individual and organisational research
expertise and projects (mainly in Southeast Asia), identification of priorities for wetland
conservation and implementation of wetland inventories, habitat assessment and species action
plans. Evaluation of wetland sites and the conducting of feasibility studies for eco-tourism
potential and park value interpretation. Preparation of proposals for priority projects in the
region with particular focus on wetland habitats and species. Lectured to post-graduate
students on impact of urbanisation on wildlife.
1992 - 1993
Technical Officer - Wetland Fauna, Asian Wetland Bureau
As a part of the core technical pool on wetland habitats and species throughout the AsiaPacific, responsible for providing technical expertise on mammals, birds, reptiles and
amphibians of the region. Also responsible for the assessment and monitoring of wetland
species and maintaining a database for the preparation of action and management plans for
endangered habitats and species.
Liaison with the IUCN/SSC Species Specialist Groups, the World Conservation & Monitoring
Centre (WCMC) and various other government and non-government agencies throughout the
region. Also conducted field surveys and Environmental Impact Assessments in Malaysia.
1991 - 1992
Project Officer - Birdstrike, Asian Wetland Bureau
Responsible for the coordination and implementation of a twelve-month investigation of the
bird hazard at three Malaysian international airports. Focusing on Subang International (Kuala
Lumpur), Bayan Lepas International (Pulau Pinang) and Kota Kinabalu International (Sabah)
airports, the study involved an assessment of the avifauna at these airports, identification of
present and potential threat species, methodology for the identification of birdstrike remains
and the training of ground staff, safety officer and air-traffic controllers on basic bird
identification, data collection procedures and the setting up of a monitoring programme for
birdstrike occurrences in Malaysia. Designed and set up a database on birdstrike occurrences.
Also conducted field surveys and Environmental Impact Assessments in Malaysia.
1988 - 1990
Research Officer, University of Malaya
Assigned to coordinate and implement an experimental 28-month programme of biological
control of rats in ricefields using Barn Owls in Selangor, Malaysia. Responsibilities included
project design and implementation, experimentation and construction of suitable nest-boxes,
implementation of an awareness campaign amongst the local community, liaison with the State
Agriculture Department, monitoring of rat damage, implementation of a standard survey
methodology and collection and analysis of data on breeding success, mortality rates, local
movements and predator-prey relationships.
1985 - 1986
Research Assistant, World Wildlife Fund
Conducted a one year field-based study of the Proboscis Monkey population at Samunsam
Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarawak. The study involved surveys of the entire population within the
sanctuary, collecting data on the ecology, ranging, diet and social behaviour of this primate.
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TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE
NATURAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT, EVALUATION & PLANNING
¾ Wetland Biodiversity Management Specialist to the GEF/UNDP/SFA Wetland
Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use in China project. (CPR/98/G32/1G/GT).
Assessment of the biodiversity of the East Dongting National Nature Reserve, Hunan
Province, P.R. China. Aonyx Environmental. (2001)
¾ Evaulating Eden - Exploring the Myths and Realities of Community Wildlife Management:
Regional Review for Southeast Asia. International Institute for Environment and
Development (IIED), U.K.. Conducted country reviews for Malaysia, Indonesia, The
Philippines, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam. [1997].
¾ Ecological Re-evaluation of the Kuala Sungai Chini Gateway Project, Tasek Chini, Pahang
Darul Makmur. Lembaga Kemajuan Pahang Tenggara (DARA). [1996]
PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT & PLANNING
¾ Natural Resource Management Consultant to the DANIDA-funded Support to Wildlife
Masterplan Implementation (SWMPI) project for the National Parks & Wildlife Division,
Sarawak Forestry Department, Malaysia – Biodiversity assessments and preparation of site
conservation management plans for 3 National Parks and 1 Wildlife Sanctuary. Aonyx
Environmental (2002)
¾ Protected Area System Audit for East Dongting National Nature Reserve, Hunan Province,
P.R. China. GEF/UNDP/SFA Wetland Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use in
China project. (CPR/98/G32/1G/GT). Aonyx Environmental (2001)
¾ Formulation of a Management Plan for East Dongting National Nature Reserve, Hunan
Province, P.R. China. GEF/UNDP/SFA Wetland Biodiversity Conservation and
Sustainable Use in China project. (CPR/98/G32/1G/GT). Aonyx Environmental (2001)
¾ Consultant (Wildlife Ecologist) to the WWFM-Netherlands “Partners for Wetlands”
project, to evaluate and make recommendations for solving human-wildlife conflicts
through management and partnerships: for the management of the elephant and orang
utan populations in the proposed Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sabah, Malaysia. (1999)
FOREST MANAGEMENT
¾ Consultant to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn. Bhd. for the formulation of a
Management Plan for State Plantations, including development of guidelines for
identification of protection forests (in accordance with FSC principles and criteria) within
forest plantations. Aonyx Environmental (2003)
¾ Prepared a Forestry Policy and Strategic Plan for the Malaysian Nature Society (2002)
¾ Input into the preparation of the Malaysian Criteria & Indicators towards compliance with
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the Forest Stewardship Council Principles & Criteria, representing the environment chapter
(Sarawak) on the National Steering Committee of the Malaysian Timber Certification
Council. (2001 - present)
¾ Consultant to the GTZ-Sarawak Forestry Department “Forest Management Information
System Sarawak (FOMISS)” a Malaysian – German Technical Cooperation Project to
implement GIS-based sustainable forestry system in a pilot study area. Assignment is to
conduct an evaluation the data collection system and to assess degree of wildlife data
integration into biodiversity overlays for the forest management units, and to prepare the
final overlay for wildlife. (1999)
¾ Consultant to SGS Malaysia to conduct a technical peer review of the draft Forest
Management Audit Report, prepared as a pilot study on timber certification in Malaysia,
for Malaysian Timber Certification Council. (1998)
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
¾ National Biodiversity Specialist to the United National Development Programme (UNDP)
to prepare project brief for submission by the Malaysian Government to the Global
Environment Facility (GEF); Titled: Malaysia: Conservation And Sustainable Use Of
Tropical Peat Swamp Forests and Associated Wetland Ecosystems. Responsible for
developing project activities in three states; Sarawak, Sabah and Pahang, in line with
management and wise use of peat swamp biological resources in Malaysia. (1998-1999)
SITE ASSESSMENT AND INVENTORY
¾ Inventory of the wetlands of Myanmar. Joint project for the Nature and Wildlife
Conservation Division, Forest Department, Myanmar, by the Wild Bird Society of Japan
(WBSJ) and Aonyx Environmental. (2001 - ongoing)
¾ Conducted a site visit to the Xiphandone (Mekong) Wetlands of southern Laos PDR to
evaluate suitability and criteria fulfilment for its listing as a wetland of international
importance under the Ramsar Convention. Consultant to the Ramsar Bureau, Switzerland.
(1999)
INTERNATIONAL TREATIES, CONVENTIONS & NETWORKS
¾ Formulation of Malaysian Red Data Book (list of threatened bird species) and Important
Bird Areas (IBA) for Malaysia. Undertaken through the Malaysian Nature Society, Birdlife
International Partner in Malaysia (2002 - ongoing).
¾ Consultant to World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia (WWFM) to prepare briefing
document to the Sabah State Planning Unit on nomination procedure for designation of the
Kinabatangan Floodplain wetland as Malaysia’s second Ramsar Site. Also responsible for
the compilation and completion of the Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS) for the site’s
nomination to the Ramsar Bureau, Switzerland. (1999)
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NATURE-BASED TOURISM RESOURCE EVALUATION
¾ Conducted a natural resource assessment of the upper Kinabatangan river, Sabah, as part
of a tourism potential survey, which includes the lower Kinabatangan as well. The project
aims to identify and develop nature tourism sites and destination packages along the
Kinabatangan. Joint private sector initiative with Ministry of Tourism, Sabah. (1999)
¾ Nature Interpretation Programme for Endau Rompin State Park. A Pahang State
Development Board (PKNP) project. [1995].
ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH & SPECIES CONSERVATION
¾ A Preliminary Ecological Evaluation of the Proboscis Monkey Population in Danau
Sentarum Wildlife Reserve [towards a management strategy to ensure long-term viability],
Western Kalimantan, Indonesia. British Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) Project.
[1993/94].
¾ Study of Shorebird Utilization of Ash Lagoons at Kapar Power Station and their
Management Options. Selangor Darul Ehsan. National Electricity Board (TNB). [1992]
¾ Assessment of the Potential Bird Hazard at the proposed new Kuala Lumpur International
Airport, Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan. [1992]
¾ Assessment of Bird Hazard at Malaysian Airports for the Department of Civil Aviation
(DCA). [1991/92]
¾ University Malaya / Agriculture Department collaborative study on biological control of
rats in paddy agriculture using Barn Owls Tyto alba. Selangor Darul Ehsan. [1988/90]
¾ Rompin-Endau Scientific Expedition. Universiti Brunei Darussalam Project - Species
Diversity as a Quality Indicator of Primary Rain Forest [1989]
¾ World Wildlife Fund project on ecological study of Proboscis Monkeys Nasalis larvatus at
Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarawak. [1985]
TRAINING
¾ Wetland Biodiversity Assessment & Monitoring Training Course. 22 – 27 April 2001,
Yueyang, Hunan Province, China. One week course for protected area staff to outline the
underlying principles and the process of preparing protected area management plans.
¾ Lincoln University, New Zealand – Sarawak Forestry Department Diploma Course for
staff of protected areas. Lecturing on ecology module, class lectures on species
identification and ecology, and field training on survey methodology for crocodiles, birds
and primates. Course is run in batches, twice a year. (2001, 2000)
¾ Ecotourism Training & Awareness Course, Lincoln University, New Zealand
Lecturing on impacts of ecotourism on wildlife and case studies of good and bad
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practises in nature-based tourism. Course held in Sarawak, Malaysia. (2001, 2000)
¾ National Parks & Wildlife Division Training Course for Wildlife Enforcement Officers, 913 July, 2001, Matang Wildlife Centre, Sarawak, Malaysia. Lecturing on identification of
live animals and animal parts, and recording techniques to accurately describe specimens
for enforcement purposes.
¾ Forest Department - DANCED Support to Wildlife Masterplan Implementation (SWMPI)
project – Training workshop for National Parks staff on 5-S protected area management
system, 8-14 January, 2002, Lambir National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia. Key resource
person training protected area staff from 5 national parks on protected area management
systems.
AFFILIATIONS
¾ Council member and Head of Science & Conservation Division, Malaysian Nature Society
Responsible for the direction and operations of this core division of the Society, the largest
and oldest conservation NGO in Malaysia. The position also requires regular liaison with
national and international agencies on conservation issues, including international
conventions (CBD, UNFCC, Ramsar).
¾ Immediate-past Chairman of the Kuching Branch of the Malaysian Nature Society,
Sarawak, Malaysia (2000 to2004).
Responsible for the direction and operations of the branch, which covers the western half of
Sarawak.
¾ Member of the Malaysian Bird Conservation Council of Malaysia.
The BCC is responsible for all bird conservation matters in the country, and serves as the
national focal point for conservation initiatives.
¾ East Malaysian Representative, and member of the Bird Records Committee, Bird
Conservation Council of Malaysia.
The Records Committee is the national body responsible for the maintenance and updating
of records of bird species. A primary task of this committee is the review of new species
records, and management of the national bird database, from which the national checklist is
published.
¾ Regional Coordinator (East Malaysia) for the International Waterbird Census (IWC).
The IWC is an annual global census of migratory and resident avifauna. Regions are
managed by coordinators. The East Malaysian coordinator covers Sabah, Sarawak and
Brunei Darussalam.
¾ Member of the National Steering Committee of the Malaysian Timber Certification Council
(MTCC)
The NSC was set up in 2000 to oversee the process of developing a national set of criteria
and indicators in accordance with the principles of the Forest Stewardship Council. I head
the environment stakeholder group for Sarawak, representing Aonyx Environmental.
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SELECTED LIST OF PUBLICATIONS
{ Complete list available on request }
1. Sebastian, A.C. (in press) A Preliminary Investigation of the Mammal and Bird Fauna of Gunung
Arun, North Krayan, East Kalimantan, Republic of Indonesia. ITTO / WWF-Indonesia / LIPI.
2. Lim, K.C., Sebastian A., Lim A.T. & Kong F.S. (2003) A preliminary Investigation of Raptor
Migration on Malaysian Borneo. Asian Raptor Research & Conservation Network.
3. Sebastian, A.C. 2002. Globally Threatened Mammal and Bird Species in Malaysian Peat Swamp
Forests. In: Rieley, J.O., Page, S.E., and Setiadi, B. (Eds). Peatlands for People: Natural
Resource Functions and Sustainable Management, Proceedings of the International
Symposium on Tropical Peatlands held in Jakarta, Indonesia, 22-23 August 2001. BPPT and
Indonesian Peat Association: 23-28.
4. Sebastian, A.C. 2000. Proboscis Monkeys in Danau Sentarum National Park. In: Borneo
Research Bulletin Vol 31: 359 – 371.
5. Sebastian, A.C. 2000. The Status and Conservation of Globally Significant Birds in Sarawak. In:
Hornbill Vol. 4 – Proceedings of the 4th Hornbill Workshop of the National Parks and
Wildlife Division, Sarawak Forest Department. Pp. 140-167.
6. Sebastian, A.C. 1999. Solving human-wildlife conflicts through management and partnerships Elephant and Orang Utan management in the proposed Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sabah,
Malaysia. WWFM-Netherlands “Partners for Wetlands” project. Aonyx Environmental
Services.
7. Sebastian, A.C. 1997. Natural Resource Evaluation of the Proposed Hidden Valley Resort, Negri
Sembilan Darul Khusus (Towards identifying options for Masterplan design). For Landpac
Resorts Sdn. Bhd., Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
8. D'Cruz, R.J. & Sebastian, A.C. 1996. A Light in the Darkness - Community Participation in
Ecotourism Development in Kampung Kuantan, Selangor, Malaysia. Presented at the UNESCO MAB Ecotone V Regional Seminar - Community Participation in the Conservation,
Sustainable Use and Rehabilitation of Mangroves in Southeast Asia. 8 -12 January 1996, Ho
Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
9. Geisen, W. & Sebastian, A.C. 1996. A Preliminary Ecological Assessment of the Malaysia
Wetland Sanctuary (Kuala Langat North Peat Swamp Forest), Selangor. Wetland International
Asia-Pacific, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
10. Geisen, W., Sebastian A.C. & Y.F. Chew. 1995. Rapid Assessment of the Ayer Hitam North
Peat Swamp Forest Reserve. For LAWOO, Muar District, Johore, Malaysia
11. Sebastian, A.C. & Davies, J. 1996. Re-Evaluation of the Kuala Sungai Chini Gateway, Pahang
Darul Makmur. For Lembaga Kemajuan Pahang Tenggara (DARA), Muadzam Shah,
Malaysia.
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12. Sebastian, A.C. 1994. A Preliminary Investigation of the Proboscis Monkey Population in
Danau Sentarum Wildlife Reserve. [Towards a Management Strategy to ensure long-term
viability]. Report to the ODA funded UK-Indonesia Tropical Forest Management Project,
for the Directorate of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation (PHPA), Bogor,
Indonesia.
13. Sebastian, A.C. 1994. The Tomistoma Tomistoma schlegelii in Southeast Asia: A Status
Review and Priorities for its Conservation. Paper presented at the 2nd regional Conference of
the IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group. April 1994, Pattaya, Thailand.
14. Davies, J. & Sebastian, A.C. 1994. Priority Subject Areas for Wetland Conservation-related
Projects in Asia, with special reference to Southeast Asia. AWB assistance to the International
Lake Environment Committee (ILEC) report for the Environment Protection Agency, Japan
15. Davies, J. & Sebastian, A.C. 1994. Priorities for Wetland Conservation in Southeast Asia.
Strategic Issues document for the Ramsar Southeast Asia Workshop, 29 - 31 March 1994,
Bogor, Indonesia. AWB / Ramsar Bureau Publication.
16. Sebastian, A.C. 1993. An Assessment of the Potential Bird Hazard at the proposed new Kuala
Lumpur International Airport, Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Asian Wetland Bureau.
17. Sebastian, A.C. 1993. Crocodilians of Malaysia - A Review. Presented at the 2nd Regional
Conference of the IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group. Darwin, Australia.
18. Sebastian, A.C. 1993. The Tomistoma or False Gharial Tomistoma schlegelii - The Need for its
Conservation in Southeast Asia. Presented at the 2nd Regional Conference of the IUCN-SSC
Crocodile Specialist Group. Darwin, Australia.
19. Sebastian, A.C., Hughes, R.N. & Hurrell, P.J. 1993. Integrating Ash Pond Management with
Shorebird Conservation, Tourism & Education at Stesen Janaletrik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz,
Kapar, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. National Electricity Board & Asian Wetland Bureau.
20. D'Cruz, R.J. & Sebastian, A.C. 1993. Wetlands in Malaysia - Priority Sites of National and
International Importance. Asian Wetland Bureau.
21. Bennett, E.L. and Sebastian, A.C. 1988. Social Organization and Ecology of Proboscis Monkeys
Nasalis larvatus in Mixed Coastal Forest in Sarawak. Int. J. Primatol 9: 233 - 255.
22. Bennett, E.L., Caldecott, J.O., Kavanagh, M. & Sebastian, A.C. 1985. Conservation Status of
Sarawak's Primates. Sarawak Gazette 61: 30 - 34. Also in Current Issues in Primate Conservation
Stevenson, M.F., Chivers, D.J. & Ingram J.C. (eds) pp. 36 - 41 1986. Primate Society of
Great Britain and the Fauna & Flora Preservation Society, Bristol.
REVISED : 29 MARCH 2004
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