JIM HARKNESS CONSULTING
Over 25 years of experience in international environmental sustainability, food security and biodiversity conservation in China and the United States
BUILDING BRIDGES
Fostering understanding across geographical, disciplinary and cultural divides. I have organized and facilitated a variety of US-China exchange visits and conferences in fields as diverse as philanthropy, sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. I managed a multi-year fellowship program that brought Chinese foundation staff to the US to interact with colleagues in the Environmental Grantmakers Association. I have introduced Americans to China and vice versa through lectures, writing and a website.
INSIGHT
Evaluation, analysis and advice to increase your organization’s impact and help you navigate complex issues and challenging terrain. I do strategic research for organizations that want to understand and respond to China’s rapid growth and international reach. I assist American and European NGOs as they register to operate in China. And I have carried out program evaluations for NGOs, bilateral aid agencies and the World Bank.
LEADERSHIP
Providing vision, inspiration and strategy to build effective projects and organizations. In the early 2000s I grew WWF China from a small team focused on giant panda conservation to the largest and most effective international environmental organization working in the country. During my seven plus years as President of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy we built new bridges between family farm, environmental justice and food system worker movements and achieved Charity Navigator’s highest rating. (four stars) I am currently developing an impact investment fund to support innovative enterprises contributing to meeting China’s food security needs.
