The Protected Areas Learning and Research Collaboration owes a huge debt of gratitude to Michael Lockwood as he enters retirement and leaves the Steering Group, and his role as Chair of the Academic Programs Committee.

Michael has been a driving force behind this initiative for many years. In fact it was the idea and vision of Michael’s and a small group of others in the first place.

Michael has helped steward the concept which led to PALRC’s establishment in 2014 at the World Parks Congress, and also its subsequent growth. He has been a source of great wisdom and encouragement on the PALRC journey for all concerned and a keeper of the PALRC knowledge and history.

This year Michael oversaw the first of the PALRC scholarships and the entry of new course options within the PALRC. He has been at the forefront of consideration for – and development of – the processes, opportunities and performance measures that will guide PALRC’s further growth, and he has never shirked a task that will aid in PALRC’s development.

It is a huge legacy Michael has left us and we will miss his extraordinary contribution enormously.

On behalf of all those connected with PALRC we thank Michael and wish him well.

Jane Hutchinson
Chair
September 2017