AWEI Research Fellow
Bio
Dr ‘t Sas-Rolfes is an interdisciplinary conservation scientist with general knowledge of sustainability issues and specialist knowledge of applying social science (especially economics) to biodiversity conservation. He has specific expertise in analysing wildlife trade policy and designing appropriate institutions for conservation, including understanding global market dynamics for nature-based products and the interface between regulation and economic incentives in wildlife protection and management. He has additional experience and expertise in business, management, writing, public speaking, teaching, and student mentoring.
Dr ‘t Sas Rolfes contributed to the conceptualisation of the Institute and maintains an active collaboration. He recently earned his PhD from the University of Oxford and is the author of several academic publications.
@AWEI
As an AWEI Research Fellow, Michael is producing and presenting academic papers, and participating in webinars and media interviews on wildlife economy issues.
Related content
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Wild assumptions? Questioning simplistic narratives about consumer preferences for wildlife products
Amy Hinsley…With increasing attention being paid to the growing challenges associated with the illegal wildlife trade, it is vital...
2020Research -
Is CITES working for African megafauna conservation?
Dr Michael 't Sas-RolfesThe 19th CITES CoP ended last week. Many conservationists celebrated the fact that numerous species achieved new ‘trade…
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Systematic review of the impact of restrictive wildlife trade measures on conservation of iconic species in southern Africa
Christina Hiller…Trade restrictions are often advocated and implemented as measures to protect wild species threatened by overexploitation. However, in...
2024Research -
SA’s new biodiversity strategy is a key move away from colonial fortress conservation
Dr Brian Child…It was disappointing to read an article in Daily Maverick that sought to “ring alarm bells” about a…
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African Rhino Conservation - Interacting Influences
Dr Michael 't Sas-Rolfes…Conserving terrestrial megafauna presents distinct challenges to policymakers. Despite decades of evolving regulatory measures, wild rhinoceros populations remain...
2024Research -
A conflict of visions: Ideas shaping wildlife trade policy toward African megafauna
Dr Michael 't Sas-Rolfes…The issue of wildlife trade is a major concern for the conservation of African megafauna, such as elephants...
2024Research -
Evaluating key evidence and formulating regulatory alternatives regarding the UK's Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill
Dr Michael 't Sas-Rolfes…Public policy addressing biodiversity loss is most likely to be effective when it is informed by appropriate evidence...
2024Research -
A theory of change to improve conservation outcomes through CITES
Dr Michael 't Sas-Rolfes…Here we articulate the implied theory of change (ToC) underpinning the design and operation of CITES (Convention on...
2025Research -
The world wildlife trade regulator is 50 – here’s what has worked and what needs to change
Daniel Challender…Most countries implement Cites, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora as…Articles -
Playing the CITES game: Lessons on global conservation governance from African megafauna
Dr Michael 't Sas-Rolfes…Abstract Growing awareness and concern over environmental issues has been accompanied by a proliferation of international environmental agreements...
2024Research -
Is CITES an effective treaty?
Dr Michael 't Sas-RolfesThe twentieth CITES Conference of the Parties (CoP 20) recently concluded in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Dr Michael 't Sas-Rolfes…
Articles