Getting back to the grassroots

At the age of 60, Natarajan Ishwaran is a well-known figure in the international conservation community - he has 30 years of experience in teaching and research and in building international partnerships for environment, conservation and sustainable development.

And he served as director of the Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization until July 31, when he decided it was time for a change of direction.

Instead of sitting in an office and giving instructions to UNESCO staff members, he will now work at the grassroots at China's World Heritage sites and biosphere reserves, to influence changes that simultaneously help people's lives and the environment.