The CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE) wishes Andrew Noble, our Program Director, all of the best as he embarks on a new journey. Andrew officially takes up the position of Deputy Director General of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) in September.
In 2012, Andrew Noble was asked to lead WLE. What started as an interim position developed into a two and half year directorship in which Andrew thrived and steered the program in new and exciting directions.
During Andrew’s tenure as program director, WLE reached many important milestones that were only made possible because of his guidance and commitment. Scientifically, Andrew oversaw the articulation of what has become WLE’s keystone approach to sustainable intensification and the provision and equitable distribution of ecosystem services. This paved the way for the unveiling of WLE’s Ecosystem Services and Resilience Framework, which provides a stable basis for more focused efforts across the program’s research themes. Moreover, he oversaw the establishment of a more innovative program structure and approach, which was made evident in the roll out of the WLE focal region and innovation fund programs. Against this backdrop, WLE was able to put together a successful extension proposal for 2015-2016, and more recently, a pre-proposal for a second phase of WLE (2017-2022).
Jeremy Bird, Director General of the International Water Management Institute, which leads WLE, commented, “During Andrew’s tenure there has been considerable momentum generated by WLE and we want to build further on this through the end of the current phase and into the next.”
“Andrew brought a stability and sense of purpose,” reflected Johan Rockström, WLE Steering Committee Chair. “He had a rare combination of scientific insight and interpersonal skills which allowed him to successfully manage such a large and complicated program.”
Andrew’s tireless efforts and belief in the program will be hugely missed by colleagues and partners alike. We are happy that he will remain part of the WLE family, given ICARDA’s status as a key partner in program.
WLE has begun the search for a new Program Director who will oversee the end of the current Phase as well as the second phase, which will begin in 2017. During this process, Emma Greatrix will take on the role as Acting Program Director whilst continuing in her role as the WLE Senior Program Manager.