Fraser Cook

Fraser is currently completing his PhD entitled Plant hunters, brokers, and resellers: the sustainability of Indonesian ornamental plant trade. He aims to transform ornamental plant conservation in Indonesia by integrating Indigenous knowledge with conservation science and mapping collecting sites, habitats and nurseries with e-commerce analysis

Fraser is an award-winning botanist and explorer with extensive expertise in horticulture and conservation. He is highly skilled at engaging diverse stakeholders, including grant bodies and international partners, to drive impactful projects that benefit both people and plants. Renowned for designing effective research strategies. He excels at aligning initiatives with organisational goals and fostering collaborations that span community organisations and major institutions to advance sustainability and conservation efforts.

With over 10 years of international leadership experience, he has successfully managed projects and developed fundraising strategies in remote rural areas and post-conflict communities.

Fraser’s work has been supported by prestigious organisations, including the Leverhulme Trust, SES Explorer Society, RHS Bursaries Committee, and sponsored by IPB University in Bogor, Indonesia. He is also approved to conduct research in Indonesia by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

Fraser's research first involves a comprehensive analysis, mapping, and population studies of new and existing species in semi-wild nurseries, e-commerce trade networks, and forests, alongside assessments of forest health and local agroforestry practices. He also documents local ecological knowledge using ethnographic methods and conducts interviews with brokers and resellers engaged in the trade to explore the value of nature and economic dynamics across the supply chain.
The second phase focuses on testing pilot projects for sustainable ornamental plant extraction and cultivation, using sustainability markers and Integrated Community Forest Management practices. Designed to benefit local communities while safeguarding plant populations and habitats, this research contributes to sustainable horticulture discourse and promotes community-driven in-situ conservation solutions. 

Visiting Researcher at IPB University.  

Supervised by Dr David L Roberts and Professor Iain Fraser.