Liliana Jauregui Bordones appointed Director of IUCN NL

As of January 1, 2025, Liliana Jauregui Bordones will become the new Director of IUCN NL. This announcement was made today by the Supervisory Board of IUCN NL. Earlier today, the Dutch IUCN members were informed of her appointment during a general assembly. Jauregui will succeed Coenraad Krijger, who has led IUCN NL with dedication for over eight years.

Liliana Jauregui in Suriname (c) Britta Jaschinski/IUCN NL

Jauregui has been with IUCN NL since 2004. As a senior expert in environmental justice, she developed and implemented successful international programmes in nature conservation, environmental justice, and wildlife crime. She has developed programmes in various countries aimed at improving the protection of environmental defenders and combating environmental crime, including poaching and the illegal wildlife trade, particularly in South America. As a member of the IUCN Commissions CEESP and WCPA, she is well-versed in the international IUCN forums. Since 2019, Jauregui has been part of the Management Team at IUCN NL.

Starting January 1, 2025, the Management Team will be further strengthened by Verian Klarus, currently serving as Team Leader and Strategic Advisor for Nature & Biodiversity at Arcadis. Klarus will specifically focus on IUCN NL’s work in the Netherlands and Europe, ensuring it is firmly anchored at the management level.

The IUCN NL Supervisory Board, responsible for recruiting and appointing the Director, is pleased to have found a suitable internal candidate for the role on short notice. Angelique Laskewitz, Chair of the Supervisory Board, stated: ‘The Supervisory Board quickly concluded that Liliana would be an excellent candidate for the position of IUCN NL Director. She possesses in-depth knowledge of the landscapes where IUCN NL operates and is well-connected within the international IUCN network. I am pleased that this leadership transition can occur with an outstanding internal candidate who knows the organisation inside and out. This ensures continuity in leadership within the dynamic context in which IUCN NL operates.’

Liliana Jauregui commented: ‘I am excited about this new role and grateful to Coenraad for his work and the pleasant collaboration over the past years. The coming years are crucial to reversing global biodiversity loss and steering toward recovery. In line with IUCN NL’s mission, I want to continue dedicating myself as Director to protecting nature as the basis of all life on Earth. Collaboration with the Dutch IUCN members and our global network of conservation organisations will be vital to achieving this.’