Environmental Management; Water and Natural Resources; Environmental, Social, and Governance

BSc (Hons) Marine Biology with Oceanography, University of Southampton, 2007; Executive Program, Biodiversity and Business Sustainability, European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability, 2025

Marine Mammal Observation/Protected Species Observer (JNCC/BOEM/BSEE); Maritime Radio Operator: SRC (RYA); National Powerboat Level 2: Coastal (RYA); Offshore Personal Survival Techniques (Warsash); OPITO-approved T-BOSIET with HUET & Basic H2S Training; Passive Acoustic Monitoring (Seiche); Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Reptile Handling; Rescue Diver, Nitrox, Emergency First Response and Oxygen Supplier (PADI); Surface-Supplied Air Diver (ADCI); United Nations Development Programme Certificates: Ecosystem Restoration, Biodiversity Finance, Ecological Connectivity, Nature-based Solutions (NbS), Protected Areas, and Sustainable Development (and others)

With expertise spanning marine biology, biodiversity management, and sustainability innovation, Robbie specializes in environmental planning, permitting, and monitoring for large-scale coastal and waterfront developments. He has built a reputation among private and governmental clients for managing environmental requirements on mega-projects, achieving compliance, and advancing sustainable development goals.

Clients recognise Robbie for his ability to integrate technical rigor with practical solutions. His project portfolio includes high-profile initiatives such as the environmental permitting for subsea fibre-optic cable landings across the Red Sea, extensive coral relocation works for port and coastal infrastructure in the UAE, and multi-year environmental monitoring of artificial island construction within a marine biosphere reserve. He has advised on flagship urban development projects including the Dubai Canal, Dubai 2040 Structure Plan, Abu Dhabi’s Hudayriyat Island, and Ras El Hekma in Egypt. Robbie has also contributed to globally significant restoration programs, such as the United Nations Compensation Commission–funded Gulf War Environmental Remediation and Restoration Programme in Saudi Arabia, and the CNPC Biodegradation Project, winner of the Environmental Excellence Award 2007 from the Sudanese Ministry of Energy and Mining.

No matter the project, Robbie is adept at bridging science, engineering, and policy to deliver innovative, sustainable outcomes. He has led the setup of environmental management functions for major development organizations, advising C-suite executives on natural assets, net-zero strategies, sustainable supply chains, and the integration of nature-based solutions into design.

To advance the state of the practice, Robbie collaborates on research involving coral relocation methodologies, publishes monitoring data with academic partners, and provides specialist input into biodiversity compensation planning. His technical expertise is complemented by practical certifications in marine ecology, diving, offshore survival, and protected species observation, which enable him to contribute on the ground, as well as strategically. Robbie is a Member of the Institute of Environmental Science and active in professional bodies including the Marine Conservation Society, The Marine Biological Association, and the Middle East Coral Reef Society.

Contact Robbie at Robert.Smith@appliedtm.com.

What is a Quick Qual?