Professor Dale Webber, a distinguished academic and environmental scientist, has been named Jamaica’s inaugural Special Envoy for Climate Change, Environment, Ocean, and Blue Economy.
The announcement was made in Parliament by Matthew Samuda, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed confidence in the appointment, stating that he believes Professor Webber will represent Jamaica with distinction.
This new role builds on Professor Webber’s decades-long legacy of environmental advocacy and academic excellence. He recently concluded his tenure as Principal of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, which spanned from 2018 to 2023.
Upon stepping down, he emphasized his commitment to research, stating, “I intend to go back to have all that I can do in terms of research to facilitate, help and grow the campus, this country and this region.”
Dale Webber’s career of service
Professor Webber’s 30-year career has been marked by significant contributions to Coastal Ecology and Environmental Management. Joining UWI in 1989 as Warden of Taylor Hall, he transitioned to academia in 1991 as a Lecturer in the Department of Life Sciences. Rising through the ranks, he became Head of the Department of Life Sciences (2003-2007), Director of the Centre for Marine Sciences (2005-2015), and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Graduate Studies and Research (2015-2018).
Under his leadership, UWI developed multi-campus research clusters, secured four international research grants, and facilitated a $25 million research partnership with the Government of Montserrat. His efforts also established Directors of Graduate Studies and Research at three UWI campuses.
Impact on environmental governance
Beyond academia, Professor Webber has been a leading voice in environmental governance. He currently chairs the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ) and the Climate Change Advisory Board of Jamaica. His tenure at EFJ saw its transformation into the nation’s largest environmental donor organization and its successful merger with the Forest Conservation Foundation.
Professor Webber has also advised governments across the Caribbean on environmental issues, contributing over 20 technical reports and attracting $2.5 million in research grants. His academic portfolio includes five book chapters, 35 peer-reviewed publications, and supervision of over 60 postgraduate students in diverse fields such as coastal ecology, oceanography, and environmental agreements.
As Jamaica’s first Special Envoy for Climate Change, Environment, Ocean, and Blue Economy, Professor Webber is expected to leverage his extensive expertise to represent Jamaica on the global stage, championing sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
