Luke Brander

Dr. Luke Brander is an environmental economist with over 20 years of applied research experience. He holds part-time roles as a Senior Researcher at the Institute for Environmental Studies, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Hong Kong. His primary affiliation is with the Faculty of Science's Department of Environmental Economics at VU Amsterdam. Brander specializes in designing economic instruments to address environmental challenges and valuing natural resources.

• Education:
• PhD in Environmental Economics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2007–2011)
• MSc in Environmental and Resource Economics, University College London (1997–1998)
• BA in Economics, Politics, and Government, University of Kent (1994–1997)

His research focuses on ecosystem services valuation, particularly for mangroves, coral reefs, wetlands, and urban green spaces. Current projects include WWF-Australia’s marine turtle valuation, UNDP’s terrestrial protected areas assessment in Malaysia, and DEFRA’s global ecosystem service database. Brander contributes to the UN’s SEEA revision and leads TEEB initiatives in Southeast Asia.

Teaching includes Masters-level courses and policy workshops. He supervises PhD students and collaborates internationally. Editorial roles include the Ecosystem Services Journal and the Ecosystem Services Partnership Steering Committee.