Andy Cornish

Dr. Andy Cornish grew up in Hong Kong, and is one of the HKSAR’s most experienced nature conservationists. He completed his PhD on reef fishes at The University of Hong Kong in 2000, and later joined WWF Hong Kong as their Conservation Director. During this time, he was responsible for the Mai Po Nature Reserve, oversaw the introduction of low-carbon business engagement programs, and led a team that successfully advocated for a ban on all bottom trawling. The ban came into effect in 2012 and is one of the biggest conservation successes in recent decades. WWF is the world’s largest conservation organization, and Dr. Cornish later led a global marine conservation program for WWF International that grew to include more than 20 countries.

Dr. Cornish is currently the Founder and Chief Strategist of Cornerstone Strategies, a boutique consultancy that provides tailored strategic planning support to charities, foundations and corporations in Asia Pacific and beyond. He also helps coordinate coalitions including the Hong Kong Expert Biodiversity Group and Hong Kong Sustainable Seafood Coalition. In 2020 he received a Hong Kong's Most Influential People (Charity Sector) award by Hong Kong Living magazine.