In a world where nature conservation and protection of the environment is needed more than ever, women are playing a key role. In this series of articles, we are shining a light on those women whose passion, courage and vision is bringing positive change and making a significant contribution to the conservation of nature in Europe.
Frosina Pandurska-Dramikjanin
Frosina Pandurska-Dramikjanin is a social scientist, communications professional, and has been active in nature conservation in North Macedonia for more than 15 years. Back then, as a project coordinator at EuroNatur's partner organization Macedonian Ecological Society, she was one of the driving forces behind the designation of the Shar National Park and impressively demonstrated how important it is to involve the local population in the process.
Ira Topličanec
Dr. Ira Topličanec is an internationally acclaimed lynx researcher at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb. During the “LIFE Lynx” project encountered the cats at close range. This project, funded by the EU and supported by EuroNatur, has helped stabilise the endangered lynx population in the Dinaric Mountains and increase its genetic diversity.
Marija Šoškić Popović
For the past seven years, Marija Šoškić Popović, has been working for our Montenegrin partner organisation CZIP as an ornithologist responsible for bird monitoring and the ringing of birds. The data she collects makes an important contribution to preventing the destruction of important bird habitats in Montenegro. Marija has loved birds since her childhood and her other passion is wildlife photography.
Besjana Guri
To kick off the series ‘Inspirational women in nature conservation’ Besjana Guri talks about what it means to be a campaigner for free-flowing rivers in a country like Albania and how protecting the Vjosa became her life's work.