Who's who at EuroNatur

A small core team and a wide-spreading network

Group picture EuroNatur

The EuroNatur team in December 2022: Close together not only because of the cold weather

© Gerald Jarausch

EuroNatur chose not to set up its own web of offices manned with full-time staff all over Germany. Our work is concerned with setting up cooperation between existing nature conservation organisations which have excellent connections in their immediate environment and are working successfully there. Donations do not disappear into any overblown administrative apparatus - they  go directly to the projects.

The foundation is based in Radolfzell on Lake Constance. In addition to the executive director, EuroNatur currently employs 29 full-time staff. Furthermore, there is an honorary EuroNatur Presidium and a EuroNatur Board of Trustees. The EuroNatur Service GmbH in Radolfzell also employs three full-time staff members.

 

The EuroNatur leadership

Gabriel Schwaderer
© Kerstin Sauer

Gabriel Schwaderer -
EuroNatur Executive Director

“If EuroNatur didn't exist we'd have to invent it. Because our work as advocate of Nature in Europe has enable us to save many landscapes from destruction. Together with the people living in the project areas we stand for sustainable regional development in harmony with the needs of wildlife and the protection of the countryside."

More about Gabriel Schwaderer...


Our Project Team

Ilka Beermann
© Kerstin Sauer

Ilka Beermann -
Project Manager Migratory Birds

“Borders are made by people and have no significance for birds. For that very reason, nature conservation across national borders is vital. This is the EuroNatur approach, and not only with its bird migration projects. I can completely identify with this.”

More about Ilka Beermann...


EuroNatur employe Stefan Ferger
© Kerstin Sauer

Stefan Ferger –
Deputy Head of Conservation,
Project Manager Migratory Birds

“Nature conservation can only work if it is based on local people's acceptance. The fact that EuroNatur always bears the local people in mind is, in my view, one of the essential reasons for the success of the Foundation.”

More about Stefan Ferger...


EuroNatur employe Anne Katrin Heinrichs
© Kerstin Sauer

Anne Katrin Heinrichs -
Project Manager European Green Belt

“The many different areas of activity in EuroNatur and its principle of combining practical projects on the ground with work at political level strongly appeal to me. I am particularly impressed with the way EuroNatur always bears the needs of local people in mind. I also very much enjoy the cooperation with local partner organisations. I find it exciting to be part of a European network and to be working in this team on a vision for the protection of the unique natural world in Europe.”

More about Anne Katrin Heinrichs...


EuroNatur employee Antje Henkelmann
© Kerstin Sauer

Antje Henkelmann –
Projektleiterin Wolf- und Bärenschutz

"I feel very fortunate that my work allows me to deal with animals that have always fascinated me and that I can contribute with my experience in international cooperations. In doing so, I definitely want to keep my openness towards the different and sometimes conflicting concerns of all parties involved."

More about Antje Henkelmann...


EuroNatur employe Amelie Huber
© Kerstin Sauer

Amelie Huber -
Project Manager Fresh water

“Linking scientific expertise with political environmental activism – that’s exactly what inspires me about EuroNatur’s conservation work.”

More about Amelie Huber...


EuroNatur employe Lisa Leschinski
© Kerstin Sauer

Lisa Leschinski -
Project Manager Lynx & Monk Seal

„I am a research scientist but science alone is not enough in order to effectively protect such species as the lynx and the wolf. Fact-based communication and public relations are much needed, too. This is the only way of achieving acceptance and coexistence of humans and wildlife.“

More about Lisa Leschinski...


EuroNatur employee Susanne Schmitt
© Kerstin Sauer

Susanne Schmitt -
Project leader for Forest Conservation

“Nature conservation ought not to stop at national borders, and I admire that approach in EuroNatur’s work. Forests, for example, have an intrinsic value regardless of what country they are in.”

More about Susanne Schmitt...


EuroNatur employe Annette Spangenberg
© Kerstin Sauer

Annette Spangenberg –
Head of Conservation

“One of the reasons I enjoy working at the foundation so much is that at EuroNatur there’s no such thing as routine work and I’m able to continually develop my skills. Every day I get a lot of satisfaction from helping our partners to raise the profile of nature conservation work in their own countries - despite, and perhaps also because of, the many challenges we encounter along the way.”

More about Annette Spangenberg…


EuroNatur employe Tara Sukic
© Kerstin Sauer

Tara Sukic –
Project Manager Fresh Water

“A lot of people often forget that they are a part of nature. Yet if nature suffers, we too will suffer. The protection and conservation of our planet is a challenge for the worldwide community. I like the fact that with my work at EuroNatur I can make a small contribution to this great task."

More about Tara Sukic...


EuroNatur employee Sandra Wigger
© Kerstin Sauer

Sandra Wigger –
Project Manager Cultural landscapes

“EuroNatur not only connects up habitats and populations of wild animals, it also brings people together across national borders to develop and cooperate in projects for the protection of natural life. I see this as one of the keys to the successful pursuit of nature conservation.“

More about Sandra Wigger...


Our Branch Office in Brussels

© Katharina Grund

Bruna Campos - Senior EU Policy Manager

"Setting the right rules is how society can function together with nature and if politicians are not acting for the greater good, it is our role as EuroNatur, together with other civil societies, to speak up."

More about Bruna Campos…


© Katharina Grund

Thomas Freisinger - EU Policy Officer

“If you take a firm stance in the EU political environment, people will notice you. EuroNatur doesn't compromise too easily; it’s one of the organisations known for taking a somewhat harder line - and for standing by it. I think that’s a good thing."

More about Thomas Freisinger...


Our Communications Team

EuroNatur employe Anja Arning
© Kerstin Sauer

Anja Arning –
Head of Communications,
Press and public relations

“Solidarity does not have much advocacy in today’s societies. But with EuroNatur this is different. Instead of profit seeking, the focus is on the common idea, on thinking beyond one’s own nose, on interconnectedness. As part of the EuroNatur network, I have the good feeling that I can make a meaningful contribution.”

More about Anja Arning ...


EuroNatur employe Mira Bell
© Pavel Bečka

Mira Bell –
Online fundraising and public relations

„Due to my studies as a literary scholar, I see nature above all associated with people. That is why I especially like the EuroNatur slogan „Connecting nature and people“.

More about Mira Bell…


EuroNatur employe Markus Dressnandt
© Kerstin Sauer

Markus Dressnandt –
Deputy Head of Communications,
Online-Fundraising and Marketing

”EuroNatur's motto - Connecting people with Nature – is the best motto I know. I am always happy to think I'm working in this strong international network and am able to make my contribution to preserving nature and the environment.”

More about Markus Dressnandt…


EuroNatur employe Katharina Grund
© Kerstin Sauer

Katharina Grund –
Public relations and Donation publicity

“Nature conservation is a matter very close to my heart. On the one hand, it is hard to be confronted with the destruction of nature day by day. On the other hand, I am motivated by the many committed people from Spain to Albania who fight for Europe’s nature as part of the EuroNatur network. It is their stories that I want to tell.” 

More about Katharina Grund...


EuroNatur employe Sabine Günther
© Kerstin Sauer

Sabine Günther –
Donations management

“When someone makes a donation to EuroNatur I see it as a sign of trust in us and in our work. I regard it as my special responsibility to ensure that those placing this trust in us  can rely on us to carry out their wishes.”

More about Sabine Günther…


EuroNatur employee Anika Konsek
© Kerstin Sauer

Anika Konsek -
Communications Officer for Freshwater and Wilderness

"I give a voice to our rivers and forests in Europe so that they receive the appreciation they deserve, and with this, humankind and nature come together - by speaking the same language."

More about Anika Konsek...


EuroNatur colleague Marco Panista
© Kerstin Sauer

Marco Panista -
IT

„Over the past few years I have become much more aware of environmental issues. My work at EuroNatur is the logical continuation of this development. I can combine my passion for both IT issues and nature conservation – and what‘s more, in a European context. Perfetto!“

More about Marco Panista...

 


EuroNatur employe Kerstin Sauer
© Gerald Jarausch

Kerstin Sauer –
Graphics and distribution, EuroNatur Service GmbH

“Day by day I’m happy that my work contributes to presenting EuroNatur’s projects visually appealing, easy to understand, and colourful.”

More about Kerstin Sauer…


EuroNatur employe Christian Stielow
© Kerstin Sauer

Christian Stielow –
Press and public relations

"One of my key concerns is to increase central European awareness of the Balkans. The landscapes of South East Europe are every bit as rich and varied as its cultures. I want to make people more aware not only of its beauty, but also of the threats to its survival."

More about Christian Stielow...


Our Administration Team

EuroNatur employe Ines Fantinato
© Kerstin Sauer

Ines Fantinato –
Donations Management

Ines Fantinato has been an important member of the EuroNatur team since May 2014. Experienced in business, she writes letters of welcome to all new sponsors and supporters, creates and sends out sponsorship certificates, ensures that donations are properly recorded and keeps the contact database for EuroNatur's donors, sponsors and supporters up to date. Bookkeeping is her other specialist area within the team.

More about Ines Fantinato...


EuroNatur employe Michael Fantinato
© Kerstin Sauer

Michael Fantinato –
Office Management and Administration

“I am proud to have my roots in the Balkans. By working at EuroNatur I want to give something back to my home country Slovenia and do something good from a distance.“

More about Michael Fantinato...


EuroNatur employe Manuela Fundinger
© Kerstin Sauer

Manuela Fundinger –
Bookkeeping and Administration, EuroNatur Service GmbH

“I find it fascinating at EuroNatur to get a look behind the scenes of conservation work. It’s great to see what conservationists across Europe achieve. I’m pleased to be able to make a small contribution to that with my work.”

More about Manuela Fundinger...


EuroNatur employe Leonie Kraut
© Kerstin Sauer

Leonie Kraut -
Head of Administration,
Personal Assistant to the Executive Director

„In spite of the wide range of projects and the international framework of the work EuroNatur never loses sight of the smaller scale things. Every project, each person, every donation counts. That really appeals to me.“

More about Leonie Kraut...


EuroNatur employe Elfrun Lindenthal
© Kerstin Sauer

Elfrun Lindenthal -
Administration
(currently in parental leave)

“The impact of environmental factors is not just local; everything is connected with everything else. This becomes particularly clear in the conservation of bodies of flowing water. So I really identify with the transnational approach used in EuroNatur’s projects.”

More about Elfrun Lindenthal...


EuroNatur employe Daniela Löchle
© Kerstin Sauer

Daniela Löchle –
Deputy Head of Administration,
Human Resources and Accounts, EuroNatur Foundation
Executive Director of EuroNatur Service GmbH

“There's always something happening here. I have developed along with EuroNatur and feel very attached to the organisation.”

More about Daniela Löchle…


[Translate to Englisch:] EuroNatur-Mitarbeiterin Nadya Moussa
© Kerstin Sauer

Nadya Moussa -
Project administration

"EuroNatur is devoted to trust and diversity. The team is deliberately diverse and critical thoughts are welcome here. I felt in good hands at EuroNatur right from the start".

More about Nadya Moussa...


EuroNatur employe Gabriela Strobel
© Gunther Willinger

Gabriela Strobel –
Accountancy

“Work in the nature conservation field is really worthwhile and it's interesting. What I particularly like at EuroNatur is the international character.”

More about Gabriela Strobel…

News

Learning to live with bears

Preventing conflicts between people and wild animals

Urgent Call for Action to Protect Romania's Forests and Natura 2000 Sites

A recent report by EuroNatur and Agent Green provides new evidence on logging in Romania's protected areas. Nature conservation organisations call for…

Airport construction threatens Albanian bird paradise

++ Construction work for airport in Narta Lagoon continues unabated despite significant protests ++ Resting area is internationally important for…

Disappointing results of last trilogue on Renewable Energy Directive

++ Woody biomass and hydropower can continue to count towards renewable energy targets ++ No will for sustainable climate policy in the EU in sight ++

Major success: River Vjosa becomes National Park

++ Today the Vjosa River in Albania has been proclaimed Europe’s first Wild River National Park ++ EuroNatur, Riverwatch and many other partners have…

More Ski Resorts Planned Around Syvdovets

In 2016, the Transcarpathian Regional State Administration announced its plans to build a ski resort of the same name in the Svydovets mountain…

Lead ammunition finally banned from wetlands

Good news for Europe's waterbirds: the use of lead shot ammunition in wetland hunting has finally been banned. The law came into force on 15 February…

Don’t be afraid of the wolf

For the first time in more than 100 years, the presence of a female wolf has been verified in the Black Forest. Since two male wolves already live in…

Flamingos or planes: Protests against Airport in Albania

++ World Wetlands Day focuses attention on global destruction of rivers, lakes, marshes and coasts ++ Major demonstration in Albania against…

Schwaderer in German President Steinmeier's delegation

Great honour for Gabriel Schwaderer: EuroNatur Executive Director took part in Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's state visit to Albania and…

Vjosa Wild River National Park: Feasibility Study is a major milestone

The Vjosa River in Albania, one of the last wild rivers of Europe, is one major step closer to protection today as the team of Albanian and…

Legal action against the Vlora Airport in Albania

New developments on the planned airport construction in the Narta lagoon: The lawsuit filed by our partners against the project was ruled as…

Dismal prospects for Svydovets

A gargantuan ski resort is looming in the Svydovets mountains of Ukraine. The environmental movement Free Svydovets has filed a lawsuit against these…

Review of the Year 2022

War in Ukraine and the energy crisis, bird flu and a fish die-off, plus the continuing Coronavirus pandemic and its consequences: 2022 was a…

Spotlight on nature’s diversity

++ Start of EuroNatur photography competition 2023 ++ Anniversary for the “European Treasures of Nature”++