Tim Cronin says nature conservation underpins prosperity

The Nature Conservancy Australia’s new Director of Conservation, Tim Cronin, used his first day in the role to challenge the idea that protecting nature harms economic growth.

Cronin said, “More and more people are recognising that a healthy environment is the foundation of our economy and our communities.”

He said there is a growing shift against the political claim that conservation and economic growth are at odds.

Cronin said, “The reality is that investment in Australia’s natural resources and ecological health is an investment in Australia’s future.”

He added that investing in Australia’s natural environment is also an investment in resilience and security. He cast his role at The Nature Conservancy as part of an effort to change how Australians value nature.

Cronin said, “In reality, investing in Australia’s natural environment is investing in ourselves, our resilience and security.”

The appointment brings in a conservation leader with more than 20 years of experience on climate change and biodiversity loss across local, national and global contexts.

Cronin’s career spans conservation, climate and economic development. Before joining TNC Australia, he held senior leadership roles at WWF Australia and WWF International.

At WWF, Cronin led large multidisciplinary teams and complex multi-country programmes. He has also built large-scale landscape programmes aimed at measurable gains for nature, people and climate.

Forests Forward and WWF roles

Most recently, Cronin served as Global Director of WWF’s Forests Forward programme. In that role, he led strategy for corporate engagement on forests worldwide.

The Forests Forward partnership platform spans more than 25 partners across six continents. It has committed more than $100 million in climate and nature finance.

TNC Australia Country Director Lara Gallagher said, “Tim brings with him more than 20 years’ experience addressing climate change and biodiversity loss across local, national and global contexts.”

Gallagher said Cronin stood out because of his record in designing and delivering inclusive, durable solutions to complex environmental challenges.

She said his experience covers organisational strategy, partnerships, policy engagement, impact measurement and programme delivery. Gallagher also said those skills will help lead TNC’s conservation team in Australia.

Gallagher said, “Tim is widely respected in the conservation sector, and will play a critical role in strengthening conservation outcomes and advancing ambitious, locally grounded solutions to Australia’s most pressing environmental challenges.”

The Nature Conservancy said it works to help people and nature thrive by protecting and restoring ecosystems at scale. The organisation said its work is guided by science and focused on getting things done efficiently.