Candidate info
Particular qualifications:
I have worked in international biodiversity conservation for almost my entire professional career. In daily activities, I was involved in a wide range of biodiversity issues, starting with the process of strengthening protected areas network, national and international, implementation of Natura 2000 network, improving the context for the assessment of the ecosystem’s services etc. I have a particular expertise in legal issues, being a promoter of a significant number of laws at national level, and providing feedback for other initiatives at international level. In the international context, I served as Focal Point for IPBES, CBD Marine and Coastal Biodiversity, MAB ICC and World Heritage National Contact for Nature. I have also worked closely with delegates at multiple intergovernmental fora (IPBES, Bern, Ramsar, CITES, AEWA, CBD, UNESCO). In addition, as part of my day-to-day job, I frequently interact with the EU and international institutions, as members of different working groups mainly related to biodiversity policies. In this respect, one of the most important tasks in 2019 was the coordination of the EU Member States' position on biodiversity. At the regional level, I have good knowledge of the biodiversity situation, mainly in EU and Western Balkans, but also from other countries from the region achieved through regular meeting or discussion with experts from the region, and with IPBES and CBD focal points or through personal observations on the ground.
Experience in fields of concern to IUCN:
I have been associated with IUCN for over 20 years by promoting the IUCN governance system into national legislation. Since 2007, I have been the national coordinator of CDDA, as the base for WDPA. In addition, as national focal point for IUCN, I provided support for IUCN Red Lists, by regularly updating the national lists of protected species. I have been an active member of IUCN Council since my election in 2021, including being an engaged member of the Governance and Constituency Committee, the Motions Working Group. In addition to my role as Councillor, since 2022 I am acting as Chair of the European Policy Advisory Group advising the IUCN European Regional Office on policy matters. Currently, I am directly engaged in multiple intergovernmental fora, including IPBES, WHC, CBD, CITES, CMS, AEWA, and member of UNESCO MAB ICC. With a large experience in IUCN matters, I am also committed to mentoring young professionals and scientists to find meaningful careers in conservation.