In 1995, Dr. Bennett worked with the Sarawak Forest Department to develop “A Master Plan for Wildlife in Sarawak,” a comprehensive policy document that detailed all the steps needed to conserve and manage wildlife in Sarawak. Her efforts resulted in legislation, conservation education, and enforcement programs, significantly curbing wildlife trade.

In reflecting on some of the challenges faced when developing the plan she says: “Probably the two greatest challenges were finding how best to balance the needs of wildlife with those of local rural communities whose lives are intertwined with the wildlife and forests, and second, in building support for the key recommendations. On the other hand, we knew that the science behind the recommendations was solid, we had an excellent team of people working on it with deep expertise in its social as well as biological aspects, and we had strong support throughout from senior-most levels of the Sarawak Government.”

Dr. Bennett's extensive contributions to environmental conservation earned her the Pegawai Bintang Sarawak in 2003 and the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2005. Currently serving as the Vice-President of Species Conservation at the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York, Dr. Bennett strongly believes that there can be balance in preserving Malaysia's natural heritage and its journey towards progress and development.