Dorothea THEUNISSEN

Dorothea Theunissen is a marine and coastal conservation expert with over 10 years of experience at GIZ. She currently leads a bilateral project in Bangladesh aimed at strengthening the protection of mangroves and marine ecosystems and contributes to shaping GIZ’s biodiversity programs in the country. Previously, she served as an advisor on the integrated management of the coastal and marine protected areas of the Sundarbans.

Her expertise encompasses integrated management approaches, protected area management, anti-poaching, and wildlife trade. She has provided technical guidance to the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, including advancing fair and effective protected area management in Africa through the implementation of the IUCN Green List Standard. She has also supported initiatives such as the professionalization of the ranger profession and reducing ivory demand in China.

Prior to joining GIZ, Dorothea worked as a consultant supporting the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA). She holds a Master’s degree in International Nature Conservation.