Roel Slootweg is an ecologist with a PhD in Environmental Science. His work focuses on natural resources management, with particular interest in the linkages between nature conservation, natural resources management, and social and economic development. His experience in environmental assessment includes assessment studies with strong emphasis on stakeholders' participation, scoping and review activities, capacity development and the development of new approaches for better assessment. Slootweg has worked on four continents. He presently owns a consultancy company: SevS Natural and Human Environment Consultants, Oegstgeest, The Netherlands.