Since 2012, I am the coordinator of the Belgian Biodiversity Platform (www.biodiversity.be), a national science-policy interface for biodiversity. I serve as National Focal Point and alternate Bureau Member for IPBES. I am also Vice-Chair for BiodivERsA (a pan-European network of ministries and agencies programming and funding research on biodiversity, ecosystem services and nature-based solutions) and the newly elected Chair and Coordinator of the European Biodiversity Partnership composed of research and environmental authorities from 35+ EU and associated countries. The latter is co-designed and co-funded by the European Commission as part of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 to ‘make the bridge between science, policy and practice’. I am also founding member and Director of WCMC Europe. As part of my day-to-day job, I frequently interact with EU institutions, public authorities, practitioners and NGOs working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable development thus fostering a holistic approach to solving environmental issues. Being biologist by training and having conducted scientific research for over 10 years as part of my PhD and Postdoc, I have genuine interest in conservation research and practices. As coordinator of the Belgian Biodiversity Platform, I am strongly connected with relevant national, European and international networks and experts and have good knowledge of policy processes that impact nature conservation. Through my network, I can help to identify key actors that could provide relevant contributions to the work of the Union. I assert my full dedication and availability to take up the role of IUCN Regional Councillor, would I be elected. This would also strongly match my personal aspirations and values.
I have been an active member of IUCN Council since my election in 2016, including being an engaged member of the Governance and Constituency Committee, the Motions Working Group, the Congress Preparatory Committee, and the Synthetic Biology Taskforce and Technical Subgroup. I am also chairing the Council Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework Taskforce, and member of the Advisory Board to the IUCN post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework initiative. In addition to my role as Councillor, I am acting as Chair of the European Policy Advisory Group advising the IUCN European Regional Office on policy matters. I also serve as IUCN National Focal Point, and I am an active member in the pan-European Working Group on National Committee Development. As such, I help to strengthen conservation-related actions in our region and reinforce engagement of IUCN members and experts in the Union's work. My work for IUCN is strongly interwoven with my role as coordinator of the Belgian Biodiversity Platform and IPBES National Focal Point, including assistance to IUCN delegations during international meetings. Through these activities, I gained a good view on the Union, including on its structure, functioning, strategic potential and impact. I have a strong scientific background (global change research/biology) and extensive expertise in science-policy interfacing, knowledge brokerage, research programming and funding, stakeholder engagement, communication and outreach.
