About Me
I'm a business and human rights professional, specializing in human rights risks associated with the apparel, seafood, and agricultural sectors.
​
I founded Natasja Wells Consulting to provide expert human rights-focused research, communication, and training services to non-profit and private sector clients committed to advancing human rights in global supply chains. I collaborate closely with my clients to deliver tailored, high-quality services that drive impact and change.
​
I draw on over two decades of research experience, spanning field research in Southeast Asia, investigative journalism, and expertise in open-source intelligence.
​
Most recently, my work has focused on the impact of business practices, and purchasing practices in particular, on human rights in the apparel sector. Before founding Natasja Wells Consulting, I worked at NYU’s Center for Business and Human Rights, and the investigative non-profit, Transparentem.
​
Previously, I specialized in fisheries and aquaculture research in Southeast Asia for over a decade. I have a background in marine and freshwater science and served as Regional Coordinator and research scientist at the WorldFish Center in Penang, Malaysia, for four years. During my tenure, my work focused on community-based fish culture and emphasized participatory approaches to monitoring and evaluation.
​
Vision and Approach
​
I believe that the private sector and non-profit organizations can do more to protect people and communities from human rights abuses and environmental degradation when they have a clear understanding of the relationship between business practices, human rights, and the environment. I aim to support them in this work by providing rigorous research and analysis, clear communication of complex issues and ideas, and interactive and collaborative human rights training and capacity building.
I'm committed to decolonizing research, to critically examining my own practices, and to continuing to learn how I can support change.
My path has been unconventional but has a strong through-line. The passion I have for my work has always been driven by the belief that everyone has the right to live with dignity, to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, and to provide for themselves and their families without fear of sickness or injury, violence or coercion, and to be compensated fairly for their labor.
​​
Contact me today to learn more about how we can work together.
Qualifications
PhD, Aquaculture and Sustainable Livelihoods, University of Stirling, Scotland.
MA, Journalism, New York University, USA.
MPhil, Environment and Development, Cambridge University, UK.
BSc Aquatic Bioscience (Hon. First Class), Glasgow University, UK.
Countries of Work Experience
Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, France (resident 1 year), Germany (resident 3 years), Indonesia, Malaysia (resident 4 years), Mali, Thailand (resident 2 years), Vietnam.
Languages
English (mother tongue); German (advanced intermediate); French (intermediate).
​