Two ecologists earn Certified Environmental Practitioner (CEnvP)
18 August 2022
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Dr Tommaso Alestra and Dr Jaz Morris have successfully achieved their CEnvP after meeting the criteria for training, experience, professional conduct and ethical behaviour.
Before joining Boffa Miskell in 2020, Tommaso earned his undergraduate and Masters degrees at the University of Pisa (Italy) and his Doctorate in Ecology at the University of Canterbury. He is equally adept at research design and planning; carrying out technical work in the field; or interpreting complex results and reporting on them to clients, industry and community stakeholders, and the public.
Tommaso has assessed the effects on the marine environment of the construction and operation of a wide range of infrastructure (roads, coastal pathways, wharfs, ferry terminals, airport runways and landfills) through a combination of field and desktop studies. These projects include the Transmission Gully Motorway, the Nga ūranga ki Pito-one Shared Path and the Te Ara Ihutai / Christchurch Coastal Pathway.
He is particularly interested in the application of nature-based methods as part of coastal developments and is currently leading a research project focusing on the role of nature-based solutions for coastal hazards in New Zealand.
Since joining Boffa Miskell in 2019 after completing his Doctorate degree in Botany at Otago University, Jaz has provided ecological assessment and advice to local and central government agencies, and to private-sector clients ranging from small landowners to large power companies, throughout the country.
Jaz’s areas of expertise include botanical and fauna identification, assessment of ecological values and significance, ecological impact assessment, field work in remote and challenging terrain, as well as data analysis and monitoring. Recently, with major changes to rules around wetlands, his work involves helping clients understand the implications of recent resource management and freshwater law reform.
This professional expertise is complemented by Jaz’s passion for the outdoors. He is a keen mountaineer and currently President of the New Zealand Alpine Team, Vice-President of the Expedition Climbers Club and Secretary of the Canterbury Mountaineering Club.
The Certified Environmental Practitioner Scheme (CEnvP) was established in 2004 by the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ). A Certified Environmental Practitioner is the highest grade of general environmental practice in Australia and New Zealand, and recognises outstanding practical experience and expertise, as well as high ethical standards.
Certification is conferred upon environmental practitioners who successfully fulfil the EIANZ rigorous requirements, which includes an application form, panel interview and subsequent ratification by the CEnvP Board.
The program aims to assist in ensuring that certain levels of professional environmental practice and ethics are met. Following certification, all CEnvPs must maintain high standards of professional and ethical conduct, as well as maintaining their commitment to professional development.
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