CV Robin Pistorius

CV Robin Pistorius March 2012

curriculum vitae

Dr. Robin J. Pistorius

Name: Pistorius, Robin Jacob Nationality: Dutch and New Zealand

Profession: Senior consultant Date of birth: November 11, 1964

Place of birth: Lower Hutt, New-Zeeland

General

For over 20 years Robin Pistorius assists policymakers and researchers in solving sustainability questions regarding agriculture, biotechnology, biodiversity, water and climate change. This work stems from his conviction that the world is on the brink of a new, and necessarily sustainable era.

Robin Pistorius studied economic and social history at the University of Amsterdam, followed up by a doctorate programme at the department of Political Science (International Relations). In 1989 he was one of the initiators and editors of the Biotechnology and Development Monitor (published in more than 100 countries) and in 1999 defended his PhD-thesis on The Exploitation of Plant Genetic Resources: Political Strategies in Crop Development (CAB International, London and New York 1999).

Throughout his career Pistorius concentrated on the socio-economic implications of high-tech developments and associated regulatory issues in particular in the field of agriculture - notably the use and conservation of biological diversity and intellectual property rights. For his research he was awarded the Vavilov-Frankel Fellowship by the International Plant Genetic Research Institute (IPGRI, Rome 1994), on the occasion of which he wrote Scientists, Plants and Politics: A history of the plant genetic resources movement (IPGRI, Rome 1997).

Since 1999, Pistorius further specialized on biodiversity, IPR, water and climate change related issues, with a focus on the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). As a senior consultant Pistorius worked for AIDEnvironment (Amsterdam), after which, in 2004, he established his own consultancy bureau: Facts of Life. Many European agricultural and environmental organizations (profit and non-profit as well as universities) have made use of his expertise. For detailed information, see www.facts-of-life.nl .

Specifics:

·  Production of scientific publications and advisory reports (see list below);

·  Senior lecturing experience on academic level;

·  Ability to work interdisciplinary with a flexible working attitude;

·  Extensive network among governmental, scientific and non-governmental institutions;

·  Chairing and hosting stakeholder-meetings.

education

16-6-1999 doctorate Political Science (International Relations)

30-3-1990  doctoral Economic and Social History

30-7-1984 BA History of Art

30-6-1983 Gymnasium

Career

2004/ - Owner and founder of Facts-of-Life: Independent advice on development issues, notably agricultural and global food safety issues, and the sustainable use of natural resources, in particular biodiversity, water and climate change.

2000/2004 Senior consultant/unit head at AIDEnvironment, Amsterdam. Specialist on natural resources and development issues. Focus on design and facilitation of on-line multi-stakeholder dialogues.

1999/2000 Project coordinator for the Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR). Task: supervision and development of an online stakeholder dialogue on the value of agro-biodiversity for the Dutch agricultural sector. Title: Vision on Agrobiodiversity [in Dutch]. Project carried out for the Centre for Plant Genetic Resources (CGN/WUR, Wageningen), the Netherlands and the department of Communication and Information Studies (CIS/WUR, Wageningen).

1993/1999 Senior researcher for the Dutch Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). Research topic: political controversies on the use and conservation of plant genetic resources. Output: PhD titled The Exploitation of Plant Genetic Resources: political strategies in crop development.

1993/1995 Researcher for the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI, Rome). Topic: institutional history of the conservation of plant genetic resources. Output: Scientists, Plants and Politics: a history of the plant genetic resources movement (IPGRI, Rome 1997).

1989/1993 Co-editor in Chief of the Biotechnology and Development Monitor: quarterly journal specialized on the social and economic implications of the use of biotechnology, world-wide. Published by the University of Amsterdam and the Dutch Directory International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

1993 Guest-researcher at the Centre for Development Research (CDR, Copenhagen). Topic: Greening of the Plant Genetic Resources Debate.

1992/1993 ` Junior-lecturer and researcher at the department of Political Science of the University of Amsterdam. Various assignments, e.g. for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and FAO.

1991/1992 Researcher at the Institute of Economic Geography of the University of Amsterdam. Topic: impact of new biotechnology regulation on the production of food in the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany.

1990 Chairman of the CORINT Foundation (Coordinated Research on International Relations).

LANGUAGES

English, fluent (written and spoken)

German, fair (spoken)

French, fair (spoken)

Spanish, fair (spoken)

AWARD

Vavilov-Frankel Award 1994 (Output: Scientists, Plants and Politics: a history of the plant genetic resources movement, IPGRI, Rome 1997).

PUBLICATIONS

Smith, E., Daly, E, Rayment, Pistorius, R. (2012) UK Implementation of the Nagoya Protocol: Assessment of the Affected Sectors. London, UK. [forthcoming]

Visser, B., Oldenbroek, K. and Pistorius, R. (2011) The Centre for Genetic Resources, The Netherlands. Movingfrom the first 25 years into the future. Publication for Centre for Genetic Resources (CGN), Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR), Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Pistorius, R.J. (2010), Biodiversity, Livelihoods and Poverty: 8 Years of Development Aid Through the Biodiversity Fund. Policy Brief for Oxfam/Novib and HIVOS.

Pistorius, R.J. and S. de Vries (2009), Bomen aan den einder [in Dutch]. Brochure for CGN, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Pistorius, R.J., and H. Ghijsen, E. Lim, B. Visser (2009), Results of on-line conference Options for Farmers’ Rights. Publication for CGN, in preparation of 3rd Governing Body meeting Tunis, June 2009.

Pistorius, R.J., B. Visser, H. Löffler (2009), Second National Report on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture the Netherlands. Publication for the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, The Hague, The Netherlands.

Pistorius, R.J. (2008), In good company: An inventory of Water Operators Partnerships (WOPs) between Dutch water operators and their counterparts in developing countries. Publication for Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Netherlands.

Pistorius, R.J. (2008), De Aardappel: knolgewas van wereldformaat [in Dutch]. Brochure for CGN, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Pistorius, R.J. (2008), Making Quality Systems work for Poverty Alleviation, Biodiversity Conservation and Company Performance. Conference report for Oxfam/Novib, The Hague, The Netherlands.

Bindraban, P. and R.J. Pistorius (2008), Bio-fuels and food security: Dialogue among stakeholders on dilemmas about biomass for food and/or fuel. Publication for Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR), Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Pistorius, R.J. and S. de Vries (2009), Bomen aan den einder [in Dutch]. Brochure for CGN, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Pistorius, R.J., and H. Ghijsen, E. Lim, B. Visser (2009), Results of on-line conference Options for Farmers’ Rights. Publication for CGN, in preparation of 3rd Governing Body meeting Tunis, June 2009.

Pistorius, R.J., B. Visser, H. Loffler (2009), Second National Report on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture the Netherlands. Publication for the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, The Hague, The Netherlands.

Pistorius, R.J. (2008), In good company: An inventory of Water Operators Partnerships (WOPs) between Dutch water operators and their counterparts in developing countries. Report for Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Pistorius, R.J. (2008), De Aardappel: knolgewas van wereldformaat. [in Dutch]. Brochure for CGN, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Pistorius, R.J. (2008), Making Quality Systems work for Poverty Alleviation, Biodiversity Conservation and Company Performance. Conference report for Oxfam/Novib and HIVOs.

Bindraban, P. and R.J. Pistorius (2008), Bio-fuels and food security: Dialogue among stakeholders on dilemmas about biomass for food and/or fuel. WUR.

Pistorius, R.J. (2007), De kip. Van orakelhoen tot produktiekip: een historisch persectief. [in Dutch]. Brochure for CGN, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Pistorius, R., and J. Veldhuyzen van Zanten. (2006), Kool in Nederland. Geschiedenis van Teelt en Veredeling [in Dutch]. Brochure for CGN, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Visser, B., and R.J. Pistorius, J.van Raalte, D. Eaton, N. Louwaars (2005), Options for non-monetary benefit-sharing: an inventory. Report for FAO, Rome.

Wakker, E., and R.J. Pistorius, W. Richert, (2004), Bedrijvigheid en bossenbeleid: Kwalitatieve evaluatie van marktconforme beleidsinitiatieven die tot doel hebben duurzaam bosbeheer te bevorderen. [in Dutch]. Publication for Both Ends.

Pistorius, R., and R. Kleef, (2003), Towards a virtual knowledge platform on wetlands management issues. Scenarios, options, requirements and recommendations. Project voor RIZA.

Kleef, R., and R.J. Pistorius (2002), It takes a community, Strategy framework and architecture for a SNV community of practice, and related internet tools.

Kleef, R., and R.J. Pistorius (2002), CHM+ the CBD Clearing House Mechanism as a capacity building tool.

Pistorius, R., and I. Harkes, J.M. Dros, R. Heijdendael (2003), Bonuspunten voor biodiversiteit, Verslag van het publieke beraad over detailhandel met aanbevelingen voor CBD - CoP 6. [in Dutch].

Pistorius, R.J. (2002), Personal networking for conservation. An educational package for WWF conservation management.

Romijn, B. and R.J. Pistorius, (2001) Kennis en Kennissen, Raamwerk kennisbeheer en leren voor de Sector Ecologie. Report for AIDEnvironment. [in Dutch].

Pistorius, R., WWF Follow up Personal networking for conservation, January 2001.

Romijn, B., R. Kleef, M. Kriesch, R.J. Pistorius, F. van der Valk (AIDEnvironment); and M. Hansen, G. Junne (The European Network University) J. Warner (2001), Confluence to international Waters, knowledge, learning and networks. Report to the World Bank, Netherlands Water Partnership Program.

Pistorius, R., Roling, N, Visser, B, (2001), Making agrobiodiversity work: reporting on an on-line stakeholder dialogue (OSD) in the Netherlands. In: Netherlands Journal on Agricultural Science, 48/3-4.

Pistorius, R., and J. van Wijk (2000), On-farm conservation: a matter of global concern or local survival? In: Encouraging Biodiversity. C. Almekinders and W. De Boef (eds.) pp. 308-311.

Pistorius, R., and J. van Wijk (1999), The Exploitation of Genetic Information: Political strategies in crop improvement. London: CAB International, 275 p.

Pistorius, R.J. (1997), Scientists, Plants and Politics: A History of the Plant Genetic Resoures Movement. Rome: International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, IPGRI. 134 p.

Pistorius, R.J. (1997), Novo Nordisk’s Environmental Accountability. In: Biotechnology and Development Monitor (issue no. 33). Directorate General for International Cooperation, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam. pp. 17-19.

Butler, B., and N. Louwaars, R.J. Pistorius, J. Wijk van (1996), Policy Issues in Intellectual Property Protection in Plant Breeding: Toward an Alternative System. Amsterdam: University of Amsterdam, 1996, 15 p.

Butler, B., and Pistorius, R.J. (1996), How Farmers' Rights Can be Used to Adapt Plant Breeders' Rights,

In: Biotechnology and Development Monitor (issue no. 28). Directorate General for International Cooperation, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam. pp. 7-11.

Pistorius, R., and J. van Wijk (1996), Kleine Boeren Verliezen Strijd om Genetisch Materiaal (Small farmers lose battle on germplasm). In: Derde Wereld. Wageningen: October 1996, pp. 241-246.

Pistorius, R., and J. van Wijk (1996), Kwekersrecht Nekt Boeren in Derde Wereld (Farmers' Rights are detrimental to farmers in the Third World). In: Nieuwe Rotterdamse Courant (NRC). Rotterdam: 17 Juli 1996. [in Dutch]

Pistorius, R.J. (1995), Biodiversity Issues: Within FAO or the CoP?, In: Biotechnology and Development Monitor (issue no. 25). Directorate General for International Cooperation, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam. pp. 20-22.

Pistorius, R.J. (1994) Forum-shopping: Issue linkages in the Genetic Resources Issue. In: R. Bartlett, P. Kurian, and M. Malik (eds.): International Organizations and Environmental Policy. Greenwood Press. pp. 209-221.

Pistorius, R.J. (1995), David versus Goliath: Contracten tussen farmaceutische bedrijven en inheemse bevolkingsgroepen, In: Indigo. Amsterdam. pp. 12-15. [in Dutch]

Pistorius, R.J. (1994), Will Material Transfer Agreement open Pandora's box?, In: Biotechnology and Development Monitor (issue no. 24). pp. 20-22.

Pistorius, R.J. (1994), Negros revised: The impact of sugar substitution by HFCS in perspective,

In: Biotechnology and Development Monitor (issue no. 21). pp. 14-15.

Pistorius, R.J. (1993), The Environmentalization of the Genetic Resources Issue. Report for the Centre for Development Research, CDR (Working paper, No. 93.6), Copenhagen. 38 p.

Pistorius, R.J. (1993), Causes and Consequences of the Philippine Sugar Crisis of the Mid-1980s: A case study on the impact of sugar substitution through High Fructose Corn Syrup. Report prepared for the Directorate General International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DGIS. The Hague, the Netherlands. 57 p.

Pistorius, R.J. (1993), Biodiversity Prospecting: Commercializing Genetic Resources for Export,

In: Biotechnology and Development Monitor (issue no. 15). pp. 12-15

Pistorius, R.J. (1993), National Interests Versus Global Imperatives at Nairobi Conference on Biological Diversity, In Biotechnology and Development Monitor (issue no. 14). p. 17.

Pistorius, R.J. (1993), RAFI After 15 Years, In: Biotechnology and Development Monitor (issue no. 17). p. 22.

Pistorius, R.J. (1993), New Biotech Activities in China, In: China-E.C. Biotechnology Centre News, Brussels, Belgium. pp. 6-7.

Pistorius, R.J. (1992), Forum Shopping: Issue-linkages in the Control on Plant Genetic Resources. (contribution to the Conference "Convention on Biological Diversity: National Interests and Global Imperatives", Nairobi, Kenya). Amsterdam. 16 pp.

Pistorius, R.J. (1992), Was the US' refusal to Sigh the Biodiversity Convention Necessary? in: Biotechnology and Development Monitor (issue no. 12). pp. 8 - 9.

Pistorius, R.J. (1992), Het Wereldmilieufonds. In: Economisch Statistische Berichten (10-6-1992), Amsterdam, The Netherlands. pp. 573 - 575. [in Dutch]

Pistorius R.J. (1992), Natuur is Handel. In: Intermediair (17-7-1992). Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

p. 19. [in Dutch]

Commandeur, P., Pistorius, R.J. (1992), Commercial biotechnology gets shape in South East Asia,

In: Biotechnology and Development Monitor (issue no. 12). pp. 11 - 12.

Pistorius, R.J. (1992), The Global Environment Facility: a key fund for biodiversity preservation ?

In: Biotechnology and Development Monitor (issue no. 11). pp. 21 - 22.

Pistorius, R.J. (1992), Biotechnology in Cameroon, Nigeria, Gabon and Ghana. In: Biotechnology and Development Monitor (issue no. 10). pp. 6-10.

Pistorius, R.J. (1991), Biotechnology in Kenya and Ethiopia. In: Biotechnology and Development Monitor, pp. 13-15.

Pistorius, R.J. (1991), International Trade and Sustainable Development. Report for the Dutch Association for a New International Development Policy (NIO) (published in Dutch), Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 37 p.

Pistorius, R.J. (1991), FAO: global action on plant genetic resources and biotechnology. In: Biotechnology and Development Monitor, pp. 3-6.