oofn at hwea cvree > s> t Straddling two centuries, Royal Haskoning is proud of its long relationship with the RNLI ( Royal National Lifeboat Institution, UK). To mark our 115 year association with the charity, we have invited the Institution's new chief executive Paul Boissier to tell us what led him to the helm of one of the UK's best loved charities, and provide us with an insight of the challenges it faces in a 21st Century scenario against a backdrop of climate change and recession. RNLI Chief Executive Paul Boissier at the helm of a lifeboat. Photo by Adrian Don, courtesy of RNLI >> 10rangeinternational

Seafarer, stargazer and steward of the sea, new chief executive of the RNLI, Paul Boissier, has felt drawn to water all his life. Joining the navy at 21 to realise his dream of navigating by the stars, he has sailed submarines under the deepest seas, and experienced first hand the impact of climate change on our oceans. Now, at the helm of one of the UK's best loved charities, Paul tells us what led him to join the lifeboat institution and, in a climate of change, why the RNLI is expanding its services and introducing more efficient methods of operation. " When I left the Navy in April 2009, the charity sector appealed because the people who work in this important part of our society are so upbeat and visionary. The RNLI beckoned because of the unique ethos of its volunteers - essentially people who risk their lives for others with no desire for payment. Costing £ 140m a year to run, the RNLI is the UK's tenth largest charity. It takes no money from central Government and, apart from a small subsidy from local authorities for lifeguards' wages, relies overwhelmingly on the compassion of Britain and Ireland's public for funding. " Sixty per cent of our income stems from people who remember us in their wills and with the bottoms of their boats grinding along the tops of cars and post boxes. During those first critical 48 hours, our team rescued 300 people threatened by freezing flood waters." Paul has no doubt about the gravity of global warming and believes in taking action now to mitigate its long term effects. " During naval missions off our north shores I saw a lot of ice coming down off Greenland, and now it's disappearing. There is an issue of environmental stewardship, and the legacy we leave behind the rest is generated through fundraising. In my short time here I have seen people living in areas hit hard by recession but who still find it in themselves to put money in the lifeboat box." The RNLI runs a tight ship in terms of cost effectiveness - but is upgrading its lifeboat fleet to ensure it continues to provide an exemplary service. " Financially everyone is feeling the pinch and we've made backroom efficiencies accordingly, but to do what we do best, we need to keep improving. In a rescue situation, timing is everything and we're phasing in the new high speed Tamar lifeboats and building boathouses and slipways to accommodate them." Running the RNLI under a cloud of climate change also brings new challenges - especially for its flood rescue service. " In the past decade flood rescue has become a mainstream part of our service, and we are doing a lot to prepare our volunteers for extreme flood events. Carrying out a rescue in the middle of a flooded town is totally different to sea rescue as there are many unseen obstructions just under the surface. At the peak of the Cumbria flood disaster last year, the Cockermouth river was flowing at 25 knots - many times faster than a strong sea current. Our lifeboat crews were navigating In my short time here I have seen people living in areas hit hard by recession but who still find it in themselves to put money in the lifeboat box. RNLI chief executive, paul boissier Photo by: RNLI/ Matthew Gibbons Special Feature " " depends on what we do now. I could sit on my hands and wait to take a lead from the Government - but my thinking is - let's crack on. At the RNLI we are introducing sustainable methods that will lessen our impact on the environment - and hopefully make a difference to tomorrow." You can read a full account of our interview with Paul Boissier on our UK website: www. royalhaskoning. co. uk To find out more about the RNLI visit www. rnli. org. uk rangeinternational >> 11