Laurence works in science-based management and conservation of marine ecosystems, especially coral reefs. He has a Ph.D. from Dalhousie University, in Canada, and more than 30 years’ experience, including on coral reefs in Australia, Indonesia and the “Coral Triangle”, the Pacific and Caribbean, as well as temperate ecosystems. He has worked with government, academic research, non-government and industry sectors, and international bodies such as the United Nations. Laurence’s work in China aims to strengthen management of coral reefs and tropical marine habitats generally. He is particularly interested in using natural capital and ecosystem service accounting to redress the mistaken perception that human development comes at the cost of nature conservation.