Dr Colm Bowe
School of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Colm joined Liverpool John Moores University in 2010 as a Lecturer in Plant Science and Environmental Science. From 2014 to 2020 is was Programme Leader for the BSc Wildlife Conservation. Prior to this he completed his PhD and Post Doc at the University of Southampton, working at the International Centre for Underutilised Crops.
Colm’s recent research largely focuses on the interface between human and natural systems. Much of his research looks to engage with key stakeholders outside academia such as business, policy makers and conservation practitioners. He is currently seconded as Development Manger at Nature North (see www.naturenoth.org.uk).
His work broadly fits around the following themes.
Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services: Recent research has looked at the implementation of the natural capital approach both in the rural and urban environment. He has worked with business to understand its implementation and the role of the private sector in this. Earlier research has focused on the consideration of biophysical quantification and economic valuation of business natural capital externalities (relating to agricultural supply chains). He has also been involved in carrying out ecosystem services valuation studies in urban environments.
Spatial Analysis for Wildlife Conservation interventions: Use of Species Distribution Models (SDM's) and remote sensing data to advise and evaluate conservation interventions, such as reintroduction and reedbed management
Underutilised Crops: Promotion and domestication of underutilised crops. This includes modelling the distribution of underutilised species under current and future climates, to inform management of genetic resources and conservation.
Degrees
2007, University of Southampton, United Kingdom, PhD
2001, Durham University, United Kingdom, BSc Environmental Management
Academic appointments
Programme Manager BSc Wildlife Conservation, Natural Science and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, 2014 - 2020
Senior Lecturer, Natural Science and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, 2010 - present
Research Fellow, Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, 2006 - 2010
Chapters
Bowe C, Scott A, Smith A, Chamberlain B, Clavey L. 2021. Chapter 9: Embedding nature-based solutions in strategic spatial planning Stafford R, Chamberlain B, Clavey L, Gillingham P, McKain S, Morecroft M, Morrison-Bell C, Watts O. Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change in the UK: A Report by the British Ecological Society. Author Url
Haq N, Bowe C, Dunisger Z. 2007. Challenges to stimulating the adoption and impact of indigenous fruit trees in tropical agriculture Akinnifesi FK, Leakey RRB, Ajayi O, Sileshi G, Matakala P, Kwesiga F. Indigenous fruit trees in the tropics CABI 9781845931100 DOI
Bowe C. 2006. Chapter 2 Composition Williams JT, Smith RW, Haq N, Dunsinger Z. Fruits for the Future 2 - Ber and other jujubes :18-28 ICUC. Southampton 9780854328581
Journal article
Tinch R, Beamont N, Sunderland T, Ozdemiroglu E, Barton D, Bowe C, Börger T, Burgess P, Cooper CN, Faccioli M, Failler P, Gkolemi I, Kumar R, Longo A, McVittie A, Morris J, Park J, Ravenscroft N, Schaafsma M, Vause J, Ziv G. 2019. Economic valuation of ecosystem goods and services: a review for decision makers Journal of Environmental Economics and Policy, DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Green JHH, Cranston GR, Sutherland WJ, Tranter H.R. , Bell SJ, Benton TG, Blixt E, Bowe C, et. al. . 2017. Research priorities for managing the impacts and dependencies of business upon food, energy, water and the environment Sustainability Science, 12 :319-331 DOI Author Url Public Url
Bowe C, der Horst DV. 2015. Positive externalities, knowledge exchange and corporate farm extension services; a case study on creating shared value in a water scarce area Ecosystem Services, 15 :1-10 DOI Author Url Public Url
Bourou S, Bowe C, Diouf M, Van Damme P. 2012. Ecological and human impacts on stand density and distribution of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) in Senegal African Journal of Ecology, :n/a-n/a DOI Author Url
Bowe C, Haq N. 2010. Quantifying the global environmental niche of an underutilised tropical fruit tree (Tamarindus indica) using herbarium records Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 139 :51-58 DOI Author Url
TRABUCCO A, ACHTEN WMJ, BOWE C, AERTS RAF, ORSHOVEN JV, NORGROVE L, MUYS B. Global mapping of Jatropha curcas yield based on response of fitness to present and future climate GCB Bioenergy, :no-no DOI Author Url
Report
Bowe C, Cranston G, Walsh L. 2017. The inescapable truth: Brexit, business and natural capital. University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Bowe C, van der Horst D, Meghwanshi C. 2013. Assessing the Externalities of SABMillers’s barley extension program
Bowe C, van der Horst D, Cranston G, Le Vernoy A. 2013. Natural Capital Leadership Summary of SABMiller Case Study: The (Sustainable) Business Case for Natural Capital Valuation
Pearson A, Bowe C. Review and development of evidence base of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) in the Cheshire to Lancashire area Review and development of evidence base of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) in the Cheshire to Lancashire area
Conference publication
Bowe C, Van der Horst D. 2016. Business Valuation of Natural Capital; learning by doing ICAEW Rethinking Capitals, Series 2 Natural Capital Publisher Url Public Url
Haq N, Bowe C, Dunsiger ZE. 2008. A case for promotion of tropical underutilised fruits for improvement of livelihoods Smart J, Haq N. New Crops and Uses: Their role in a rapidly changing world :288-299
Bowe C. 2007. Potential answers to the adaptation to and mitigation of climate change through the adoption of underutilised crops Tropical Agricultue Association Newsletter, South West Seminar on Underutilised Crops 27
Research Grants Awarded:
Nature North, Nature North - Development Manager Secondment, Grant value (£): 34,000, Duration of research project: 6 months. 2020
DEFRA, ELMS Test and Trial: A Natural Capital Mapping Tool for Measuring Public Goods - T&T 074 Upper Dane Catchment, Grant value (£): 50,000, Duration of research project: 9 months. 2019
MGET, Exploring a natural capital approach in the Upper Mersey Estuary for improved decision making and investment in the environment., Grant value (£): 30,531, Duration of research project: 3 Years. 2019
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Exploring Local Implementation of DEFRA’s 25 Year Plan: Learning lessons from embedding the Natural Capital Approach in a Northern Coastal City Region, Grant value (£): 45,335, Duration of research project: 10 months. 2018
Valuing Nature Network (VNN) Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Developing understanding and strategies for business to engage and inform UK Food and Farming policy to ensure that Natural Capital is an integral part., University of Cambridge, Grant value (£): 22,599, Duration of research project: 3 months. 2016
Natural England, Evidence Review – Natura 2000 Sites in North West, Grant value (£): 10000. 2015
Valuing Nature Programme (VNP) Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Valuing externalities in a business context, Grant value (£): 6000, Duration of research project: 6 months. 2012
External committees:
Liverpool City Region Natural Capital Working Group, Nature Connected, Chair. 2019
Steering Group, Liverpool City Region Year of the Environment, Member, http://www.natureconnected.org/yoe2019/. 2018
Biodiversity and Environment Research Board, Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust, Member, http://www.merseygateway.co.uk/mersey-gateway-environmental-trust/. 2018
Liverpool City Region Local Nature Partnership, Nature Connect, Member/Management team member, http://www.natureconnected.org/. 2017
Award:
Celebrating Success Impact Award, Liverpool John Moores University. 2016