Since starting his career in 1970, James Dobbin has spent the ensuing decades traveling the world to conduct projects that expand the influence of landscape architecture to coastal and oceanic environments. Completing projects in more than 106 countries, he has developed solutions to development and conservation issues for a wide range of clients. His believes the basic principles of landscape architecture and land planning are enhanced when combined with advanced scientific, economic, engineering, and planning tools and methodologies. He has put that combination to work successfully in environments ranging from the High Arctic to tropical ecosystems.
Jim’s projects have resulted in national, regional, and local strategies for sustainable and resilient development. Projects have ranged from marine protected area management to sustainable tourism, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, conservation, restoration, and regional socioeconomic development associated with mining and oil and gas projects. Many initiatives have been conducted in some of the poorest regions of the world to help unlock socioeconomic potential for the communities' residents. He finds the greatest enjoyment of his work stems from working with stakeholders and subject matter experts in diverse fields of knowledge to bring a team approach to cutting-edge solutions.
Jim received his B.L.A. from the University of Toronto and his M.L.A. from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. He has lived in Virginia for many years and frequently returns to visit Canada.
Publications
James Dobbin, 2016. Limpopo Provincial Strategy for Resilient Sustainable Development - Linking People, Places and Potential. IFC Sustainability Exchange, Infrastructure & Natural Resources. May 25-26, 2016. Washington, DC USA
James Dobbin, 2014. Investment as usual… or smart? The Role of Strategic Spatial Development Planning. Presentation to G19 Ambassadors and International Financial Institutions at the Residence of the Ambassador of Ireland. March 19, 2014 in Maputo, Mozambique
James Dobbin, 2013. Making Money, Reducing Risk, and the Role of Strategic Spatial Development Planning – Guinea, Madagascar, Tanzania, and MozambiqueTM. Presentation at IFC (World Bank) Sustainability Learning Exchange Mining INDABA Conference, February 5, 2013. Cape Town, South Africa
James Dobbin, 2012. Putting the World Bank Out of Business - Improving Development Outcomes by Using Spatial Thinking, Planning, and Economics. Presentation 20 October 2012 at The World Bank, Washington, DC.
