Mr. René Weterings holds the degrees of Bachelor of Agriculture Science from Lincoln University, New Zealand and of Master of Applied Science (First Class Honours, Natural Resource Management) from Massey University, New Zealand. He is a Registered Forestry Consultant (NZ Institute of Forestry) and a Practising Resource Manager (NZ Association of Resource Management) and is qualified to provide expert advice in soil conservation, erosion control, sustainable land management and forestry.
Mr Weterings has over 35 years professional experience in agriculture, forestry, and environmental management in the Asia Pacific region, most recently associated with roads and infrastructure projects in the mining, energy and forest sectors. He has a comprehensive understanding of the broader natural resource issues facing rural communities in developing countries, and the climate change mitigation and adaptation measures required to address these. In particular, he has relevant experience in working with ADB, EU, Government institutions, NGOs and private sector stakeholders, including rural community groups.
He has proven technical expertise in site remediation, bioengineering and rehabilitation works to climate proof investment in the agriculture, mining, energy and transportation sectors in the region. He has provided capacity building and institutional strengthening input into a range of Government institutions relating to sustainable resource management and climate change and carried out relevant training activities and study tours.
Mr Weterings has a strong background in project management, implementation and monitoring, undertaking feasibility studies, including contract management in private sector infrastructure projects. He has proven business acumen, coupled with well developed financial management skills. René became a shareholding director in 2015 and is OCA's point of contact for the Pacific region. René is based in New Zealand.
