Alistair formerly worked for RSPB as their International Director, and then for the Pew Charitable Trusts, working on the campaign to get the Chagos Marine Reserve declared, and more recently on the campaign to get a marine reserve declared in Pitcairn.
He has advocated for many years on the needs and opportunities for conservation in the UK Overseas Territories. Receiving an OBE in 2006 for services to conservation. He is now retired and has stepped down as a Trustee, but still advises the director.