معرفی
Dr. Rebecca Weeks is a Research Fellow at James Cook University, affiliated with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies. Her work focuses on marine conservation planning, particularly in tropical developing countries across the Indo-Pacific region.
Her research areas include:
- Marine Conservation Planning
- Coral Reef Ecosystems
- Systematic Conservation Planning
- Marine Protected Areas
- Fisheries Management
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Ecological Connectivity
Dr. Weeks' research examines the integration of ecological, economic, and social science principles to develop effective conservation strategies. She has conducted extensive field work in the Philippines, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau, often collaborating with local communities and government agencies. Her work on periodically harvested closures has provided valuable insights into alternative marine management approaches that align with local traditions and preferences.
Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on connectivity-based conservation planning, the effectiveness of different marine management strategies, and the integration of social-ecological systems into marine conservation. Dr. Weeks has published in leading journals such as Conservation Biology, Biological Conservation, and PLoS ONE.
Scientific awards and recognitions:
- Board member for the Society for Conservation Biology Oceania Section
Dr. Weeks supervises PhD students at James Cook University and collaborates extensively with conservation NGOs including the Wildlife Conservation Society and The Nature Conservancy. Prior to her current position, she worked for the Wildlife Conservation Society in Fiji, giving her practical experience in on-the-ground conservation implementation.
Her research on periodically harvested closures and connectivity-based marine reserve design has significant implications for marine conservation planning across the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in contexts where customary governance systems are prevalent.
