In wildness is the preservation of the world.
The Foundation
Wilderness International
It all began with the enthusiasm for forests with huge trees. Today, Wilderness International is a non-profit foundation with a great goal. We want to protect unique wilderness areas for future generations. Since our founding in 2008, with the help of schools, companies and private individuals we have been able to purchase, register and thus legally protect 4.5 million square meters of valuable and endangered rainforest in Canada and Peru. Numerous scientific institutions support our research projects on CO2 absorbtion and biodiversity in the coastal rainforests.
We are a small and flexible organization, always looking to use our funds in the most effective and efficient ways. Donations, institutional support and volunteer work support the operations of the foundation. Our participatory structure makes it possible to grow with new ideas and exchange opinions between generations.
Our Idea of Nature Conservation
Successful nature conservation works only with direct commitment. We want to enable everyone to protect rainforest. At the heart of our projects are our sponsorships and sponsored runs – so that all generations can take responsibility and balance out their personal consumption of nature. On research expeditions, committed young people experience the unique flora and fauna of our protected areas. Thereby, they become ambassadors for the environment.
Why Are We Working in Canada?
Ancient tree giants. Mysterious ghost flowers. Crystal-clear rivers. Flying eagles. The temperate rainforest of Western Canada is a natural wonder. And yet, only 25% of this valuable ecosystem remain. The protection of the remaining ancient forests is essential, as we profit from their benefits all over the world. Learn more about this here:
Why Are We Working in Peru?
The region Madre de Dios in eastern Peru is home to large areas of undisturbed amazonian rainforest. The highest biodiversity ever found in any forest was recorded here! That is one of the reasons why most of the area is protected by two national parks and a nature reserve. Our conservation land expands and reinforces the protection of these areas. The wilderness along the Tambopata River is in urgent need of protection, as the forest and the ecological integrity of the entire ecosystem are highly endangered by gold mines and logging.
Team
Environmental Ambassadors
Council
Board
Founder / Benefactor
Volunteers
Anton Kamolz
Profession / Career
2012: Environmental Ambassador; since 2015: Bachelor in Business Engineering at Technical University Dresden; currently also working as Business Developer at Sunfire GmbH for the commercialization of carbon neutral fuels
Why Wilderness International
I am passionate about Wilderness International because it gives tangible answers instead of posing questions. It gives a concrete answer, for example, to the question: „What can we do to leave a world to future generations where they can live with similar conveniences?“
I appreciate the great biodiversity of our protected areas, the curiosity of the students in our environmental education programs and the close cooperations with diverse partners such as those from the traveling industry.
I am excited to be part of the Wilderness International community and to be able to contribute to the conservation and creation of our future world.
Henri Bisch-Chandaroff
Profession / Career
2016: Environmental Ambassador; 2018: Abitur; since September 2018: Federal Volunteer Service with WI; 2019-2020: Year abroad in Australia; since 2020: University and voluntary work with WI
Why Wilderness International
In 2016, I joined Wilderness International as an environmental ambassador. I only knew the wilderness from stories, but now I wanted to experience it myself, explore and most of all protect it for all times. The impressions from my time in Canada, especially from the Toba Valley, left a long-lasting impact on me. That is why I decided to intensify my voluntary involvement in a federal volunteer year after I had finished high school in 2018 in order to work for the protection of the temperate rainforest and to achieve lasting change in our world. To date, this mind-set has only gotten firmer and stronger.
Now, while pursuing a degree in university, I keep working for Wilderness International. I am mostly involved with the Work for the Wild in order to pass on my excitement for nature to the students. The temperate rainforests of Western Canada, with their incredibly old tree giants and unbelievable biodiversity are a natural jewel of our planet that have to be protected at all cost!
Luka Büttner
Profession / Career
Environmental Ambassador 2011
Why Wilderness International
Egon Höfgen
Profession / Career
2012: Environmental Ambassador; 2020: M.Sc. in Chemistry
Why Wilderness International
Ever since I was a child, I have been interested in nature and our environment. To this day, I spend most of my free time with outdoor activities. The Environmental Ambassador expedition allowed me to experience the Canadian wilderness first-hand and left me awestruck. During my gap year in 2013/14, I got to explore more of Canada’s nature on my own and fell even deeper in love with it. Even though the landscapes seem vast and seemingly empty, human marks are still abundant and the threat to nature is present. Unimpaired wilderness is of immeasurable value to all of us and must be preserved. Wilderness International is giving me the opportunity for hands-on conservation work, and at the same time I am part of a community of motivated and inspiring people.
Tobias Hürten
Key Account Manager WI Germany, Director WI Canada, Board Member WI Peru
Profession / Career
Environmental Ambassador 2014, two years of volunteering at Wilderness International after the Abitur High School Leaving Certificate, continuing work for WI
Why Wilderness International
When I was in 5th grade and heard about trees that are more than a hundred times older than us, I decided to take part in the Walk for the Wild. It felt good to be able to actively participate in the international and local protection of wilderness. Being able to go on an expedition to Western Canada in 11th grade was a crucial point in my life because I experienced the unique nature of the Toba Valley with all my senses. The wide, untouched wilderness there impressed me so much that I wanted to keep being involved in the foundation’s work. Organizing the Walks for the Wild and the Wilderness Team Challenges have allowed me to grow personally and realize new ideas. A second expedition to our protected wilderness areas and to the Western Arctic have once again shown me the importance of our work – and expanded my technical and cultural skills.
tobias.huerten@wilderness-international.org
Henriette Wessel
Communication, Vice President WI Peru
Profession / Career
2014: Environmental Ambassador; 2015-2017: Federal Volunteer Service at Wilderness International; 2017-2020: BA Intercultural Communication; since 2020: Communication Wilderness International
Why Wilderness International
Starting in 5th grade, I excitedly participated in the Walk for the Wild and carefully listened to the presentations about ancient giant forests. When later I read about the expedition to the Toba Valley, I realized that my chance had come to see and explore this amazing strange world with my own eyes. The people that I met on this trip and the adventures we had were so inspiring that I decided to do a Volunteer Gap Year for the organization before going to university, and I am already in my second volunteer year now. During this time, an extraordinary focus developed: the management of a culture and conservation expedition with German and Gwich’in First Nation Youth in the Canadian Western Arctic!
henriette.wessel@wilderness-international.org
Stephan Hürten
Head of Council
Profession / Career
Biology Studies in Marburg with a major in conservation; from 1994 surveying function in environmental planning in Frankfurt and Dresden; from 1995 to July 2001 self-employed in environmental planning; since August 2001 biology teacher at the private high school Evangelisches Kreuzgymnasium Dresden; from 2008 to 2014 Chief Financial Officer at WI
Why Wilderness International
As a student, I was confronted with the rapid destruction of the tropical rainforest in South America. All predictions of land loss – unthinkable in my eyes at that time – have come true, despite the best arguments for the preservation of forests. I cannot bear being an idle bystander to this process. Thankfully, Wilderness International gives me the opportunity to act for the conservation of our earth. Permanently preserving endangered forests through purchase, and at the same time reducing the climate footprint – that is as direct and simple as conservation can get. And thanks to Wilderness International, everyone can participate.
stephan.huerten@wilderness-international.org
Carina Büder
Member of Council
Profession / Career
2016: 1.5 years of voluntary service in Costa Rica, afterwards federal voluntary service with WI; since 2018: sport science degree program at university in Leipzig and Marburg
Why Wilderness International
I have always loved being active outside. Be it by the bank of a river, hiking through the mountains, in the forest or on the coast. Being in nature gives me strength and creativity. The unique symbioses between flora and fauna fascinate me and touch me deeply. Experiencing the rainforest impressed me a lot. Unfortunately, it also showed me how endangered this marvellous ecosystem is. I cannot believe nor understand how anyone can so ruthlessly destroy it. That is why Wilderness International’s work is so critically important and valuable.
Anton Kamolz
Profession / Career
2012: Environmental Ambassador; since 2015: Bachelor in Business Engineering at Technical University Dresden; currently also working as Business Developer at Sunfire GmbH for the commercialization of carbon neutral fuels
Why Wilderness International
I am passionate about Wilderness International because it gives tangible answers instead of posing questions. It gives a concrete answer, for example, to the question: „What can we do to leave a world to future generations where they can live with similar conveniences?“
I appreciate the great biodiversity of our protected areas, the curiosity of the students in our environmental education programs and the close cooperations with diverse partners such as those from the traveling industry.
I am excited to be part of the Wilderness International community and to be able to contribute to the conservation and creation of our future world.
Charlotte Voigt
Member of Council
Profession / Career
2012: International Baccalaureate from Frankfurt International School. Two years studying Natural Resources Conservation in Vancouver, now continuing studies in Environmental- and Bio-resources management in Vienna.
Why Wilderness International
After my first time visiting the ancient forests of British Columbia I knew that this place was one of a kind and that the connection and calm I feel in this place, I would not find anywhere else. I decided to start volunteering with the organization during my last two years of school, raising awareness among my fellow students about this unique environment. After graduating I started my studies on conservation in Vancouver in order to learn more about the complex ecosystem; the temperate rainforest. During this time I also had the opportunity be a part of two expeditions and experience how this place plays its magic on other students, much the same as it did with me. I am glad to be able to share these experiences and contribute to the conservation efforts with Wilderness International.
Charlotte.voigt@wilderness-international.org
Thomas Mach
Member of Council
Profession / Career
since 2010: Head of Department Marketing & Sales at the tour operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen GmbH
Why Wilderness International
Growing up on Usedom, an island of the Baltic Sea, I have always had a special relation to nature. Since my youth, I have been traveling the continents of our earth in tours of up to several weeks. Over the course of time, however, an uneasiness grew within me. Something was bothering me, but I could not quite grasp what it was. Accompanying the work of a student for his thesis in sustainability at DIAMIR and seeing the start of Diamir’s forest conservation project with Wilderness International 2016, I became slowly aware of the cause for my uneasiness: Climate change, over tourism, social injustice and the exploitation of the resources of our planet are topics that concern my in my private and professional life. In my eyes, DIAMIR Adventure Travels offers an honest solution for tourism by travelling in small groups and offsetting its carbon footprint. Encouraging our clients to voluntarily compensate the other half of their trip’s carbon footprint makes people conscious of this topic that concerns us all. And I as well realized another thing that is very important: Auch bei mir stellte sich eine wichtige Erkenntnis ein: I am not alone with my thoughts and the desire to make a change.
As a father and nature lover, I feel the urgent need to become active for the conservation of intact nature. The expedition to the DIAMIR Forest in the Toba Valley left a lasting impression on me. The strong contrast between the intact nature along the Toba Valley and the large areas of clear cut around it showed me how important it is to protect these habitats and unique treasures of nature. Due to this impulse, my long-term cooperation with Wilderness International, and knowing the personal, honest commitment of all WI activists, I decided to join as a volunteer. Because I am not alone!
thomas.mach@wilderness-internatinal.org
Henri Bisch-Chandaroff
Profession / Career
2016: Environmental Ambassador; 2018: Abitur; since September 2018: Federal Volunteer Service with WI; 2019-2020: Year abroad in Australia; since 2020: University and voluntary work with WI
Why Wilderness International
In 2016, I joined Wilderness International as an environmental ambassador. I only knew the wilderness from stories, but now I wanted to experience it myself, explore and most of all protect it for all times. The impressions from my time in Canada, especially from the Toba Valley, left a long-lasting impact on me. That is why I decided to intensify my voluntary involvement in a federal volunteer year after I had finished high school in 2018 in order to work for the protection of the temperate rainforest and to achieve lasting change in our world. To date, this mind-set has only gotten firmer and stronger.
Now, while pursuing a degree in university, I keep working for Wilderness International. I am mostly involved with the Work for the Wild in order to pass on my excitement for nature to the students. The temperate rainforests of Western Canada, with their incredibly old tree giants and unbelievable biodiversity are a natural jewel of our planet that have to be protected at all cost!
Egon Höfgen
Profession / Career
2012: Environmental Ambassador; 2020: M.Sc. in Chemistry
Why Wilderness International
Ever since I was a child, I have been interested in nature and our environment. To this day, I spend most of my free time with outdoor activities. The Environmental Ambassador expedition allowed me to experience the Canadian wilderness first-hand and left me awestruck. During my gap year in 2013/14, I got to explore more of Canada’s nature on my own and fell even deeper in love with it. Even though the landscapes seem vast and seemingly empty, human marks are still abundant and the threat to nature is present. Unimpaired wilderness is of immeasurable value to all of us and must be preserved. Wilderness International is giving me the opportunity for hands-on conservation work, and at the same time I am part of a community of motivated and inspiring people.
Karl Svoboda
Federal Voluntary Service
Profession / Career
2020: Technical diploma health and social aspects; then Federal Voluntary Service
Why Wilderness International
The biodiversity in the plant and animal realm has always fascinated me. That is why, after leaving high school, I decided to become involved in animal and nature protection projects and to work with children and youth. While traveling, I had the chance to get to know many different ecosystems and cultures, such as the temperate rainforests of Costa Rica. As the industry sector grows, unfortunately, humans become more and more disconnected from nature and lose the responsible use of its resources, causing a fatally increasing destruction of the planet. Contrary to the rapid growth of the industry, ecosystems need thousands of years to recuperate, if at all possible. That is why it is so important to find a sustainable, long-lasting solution as quickly as possible. Wilderness International focuses on the permanent protection of nature, and I am happy to have joined the team.
Antonia Schurig
Federal Voluntary Service
Profession / Career
2016: Environmental Ambassador; 2019: Abitur
Why Wilderness International
To protect nature, to explore it, to live from and with it, is something close to m heart. I deeply enjoy being outside, exploring new things, observing everything around me and relaxing in green paradises. Especially since I became an environmental ambassador in 2016, the rainforest of Canada has not ceased to impress me. I do not want to close my eyes to the painful facts and the destruction in the world. I want to act. That is why I decided to do a voluntary year at Wilderness International.
Antonia Seifert
Volunteer
Profession / Career
15 months of voluntary service in Nicaragua after graduating from high school; federal voluntary service with WI from February 2018 to September 2018
Why Wilderness International
During my stay in Central America I had the opportunity to see ancient forests with a large biodiversity. At the same time, I was confronted with environmental destruction and its devastating consequences. These events made me even more aware of why untouched nature is so worth protecting. Thus, I wanted to become more involved in this field. When searching for an organization for my federal volunteer service, I read about WI. I liked their concept of preserving unique Canadian wilderness forever by organizing the charity run „Walk for the Wild“ and issuing sponsorships, thus creating a personal relationship between people and their protected area.
Kai Andersch
Director WI Germany, Founding Member WI Peru
Profession / Career
Msc. Forestry Science; 21 years of project work in Canada; 8 years of project work in the Amazon region
Why Wilderness International
Wild nature is where I am inspired, where I feel at home. Next to a giant tree in the rainforest, aside the foggy river, or high atop a mountain – nature allows us to regain power, and to experience the big and small wonders of this world. Over the past 20 years, I have seen entire forests disappear, I have seen cities and streets encroach on lakes and valleys. From year to year, we lose more and more of our planet’s pristine nature – at a terrifying pace. It is forcing us to act! I adore nature, and as a part of Wilderness International, I want to fight for the future of an earth that never ceases to be amazing, wild, and beautiful.
kai.andersch@wilderness-international.org
Tobias Hürten
Key Account Manager WI Germany, Director WI Canada, Board Member WI Peru
Profession / Career
Environmental Ambassador 2014, two years of volunteering at Wilderness International after the Abitur High School Leaving Certificate, continuing work for WI
Why Wilderness International
When I was in 5th grade and heard about trees that are more than a hundred times older than us, I decided to take part in the Walk for the Wild. It felt good to be able to actively participate in the international and local protection of wilderness. Being able to go on an expedition to Western Canada in 11th grade was a crucial point in my life because I experienced the unique nature of the Toba Valley with all my senses. The wide, untouched wilderness there impressed me so much that I wanted to keep being involved in the foundation’s work. Organizing the Walks for the Wild and the Wilderness Team Challenges have allowed me to grow personally and realize new ideas. A second expedition to our protected wilderness areas and to the Western Arctic have once again shown me the importance of our work – and expanded my technical and cultural skills.
tobias.huerten@wilderness-international.org
David MacDonald
Director Wilderness International (Canada), Treasurer WI Peru
Profession / Career
BA Economics; 11 years of project work in Canada
Why Wilderness International
I have a deep love and respect for nature. The beauty and power of these wild places is something that we are only beginning to understand. Sadly, the rate at which these wild places are disappearing is of great concern to me. If we don’t act many of these will be lost forever! The passion and commitment of everyone at Wilderness International is truly inspiring. Their commitment to bring awareness to and educate is the direction we must take if we are to have these wild places left for our future.
Ronny Scholz
Member of Board and Manager of WI’s office in Dresden, Photographer
Profession / Career
Since 2001: Assistent for Medical Technology; since 2008: Photographer, Voluntary Accompaniment of Projects
Why Wilderness International
Sustainable change is only possible from bottom to top and with personal conviction. That’s what I believe in. And that is what made me join Wilderness International as a volunteer 10 years ago. The conservation of nature is an essential attitude for every human. The protection of biodiversity and the fragile ecological balance, the preservation of traditional places of living that protect our climate as well as the culture of indigenous peoples, the conservation of habitats, the prevention of global migrations due to hunger and poverty, the reduction of carbon emissions – all this and even more is part of nature conservation. Allowing individuals to experience this and motivating them as well as companies to become active, is what I love about my work at WI. I started with networking and accompanying projects with students and youth. My medical condition gave me more time to think and made me realize what a treasure the family is, with all its resources and other gifts worthy of safeguarding. So meanwhile, I have become an expert in preservation and enjoy it a lot.
Ever since I cannot work anymore, I focus the time at my hands on my tasks at WI. This work has shown me what a structured approach on needs and processes on top of an honestly motivated communication for our goal can achieve.
This is what I want to continue to do and consolidate. With transparency. With fun. With WI.
Jürgen Thiele
Chief Financial Officer
Profession / Career
Diploma electrical engineering; Scientific coworker at MLW research center; Clinical engineer dental clinic Medical Academy Dresden; CEO dental depot Anton Gerl Dresden
Why Wilderness International
In the 1970s and 80s, when I was a young man and an active winter sportsman, I had to witness the great forest decline in Germany’s Eastern Ore Mountains. On top of that came the nuclear disaster of Chernobyl in 1986. These events formed a strong environmental consciousness within me at a young age. Later, Kai Andersch inspired me to become involved in international conservation – first, supporting the Dresden Walk for the Wild with my company Gerl as an excited sponsor, then more intensely as a founding capital donor starting in 2008. Today, I volunteer as Chief Financial Officer.
juergen.thiele@wilderness-international.org
Kai Andersch
Director WI Germany, Founding Member WI Peru
Profession / Career
Msc. Forestry Science; 21 years of project work in Canada; 8 years of project work in the Amazon region
Why Wilderness International
Wild nature is where I am inspired, where I feel at home. Next to a giant tree in the rainforest, aside the foggy river, or high atop a mountain – nature allows us to regain power, and to experience the big and small wonders of this world. Over the past 20 years, I have seen entire forests disappear, I have seen cities and streets encroach on lakes and valleys. From year to year, we lose more and more of our planet’s pristine nature – at a terrifying pace. It is forcing us to act! I adore nature, and as a part of Wilderness International, I want to fight for the future of an earth that never ceases to be amazing, wild, and beautiful.
kai.andersch@wilderness-international.org
Tom Andersch
Director of Operations
Profession / Career
Bachelor of International Business, HTW Dresden; Bachelor of Economics, Plekhanov Russian Academy of Economics, Moscow; Master of Sustainable Tourism Management, Eberswalde University of Applied Sciences; 2008 – 2020: Different leading positions at travel agencies such as Chamäleon and Lernidee Adventure Travel
Why Wilderness International
I work with Wilderness International because the protection of nature and the conservation of indigenous cultures for future generations is very important to me. Many of the current global conflicts trace back to a globally disturbed ecosystem and the resulting scarcity of resources. That is why the rainforests of Canada are just one wilderness area of many on the planet that we need to save. If we do not preserve and protect our natural environment, nature and culture will suffer from severe consequences. I stand for Wilderness International because I know that with them, my work for the conservation of nature and people has a guaranteed and tangible impact.
tom.andersch@wilderness-international.org
Anton Kamolz
Profession / Career
2012: Environmental Ambassador; since 2015: Bachelor in Business Engineering at Technical University Dresden; currently also working as Business Developer at Sunfire GmbH for the commercialization of carbon neutral fuels
Why Wilderness International
I am passionate about Wilderness International because it gives tangible answers instead of posing questions. It gives a concrete answer, for example, to the question: „What can we do to leave a world to future generations where they can live with similar conveniences?“
I appreciate the great biodiversity of our protected areas, the curiosity of the students in our environmental education programs and the close cooperations with diverse partners such as those from the traveling industry.
I am excited to be part of the Wilderness International community and to be able to contribute to the conservation and creation of our future world.
Hans Dierstein
Profession / Career
Insurance Management B.A., BWV Cologne; Consultant for financial services, IHK Passau; currently freelancing as broker for financial services
Why Wilderness International
Right from the start, I especially liked Wilderness International’s idea that every sponsor could protect their very own piece of wilderness. Working for Wilderness International, I have seen how all sorts of different people can be enthused with environmental protection and then become involved directly. To witness this inspiring thrill and excitement for conservation continuously motivates me to share the experience that personal action can directly lead to positive change.
Stephan Hürten
Head of Council
Profession / Career
Biology Studies in Marburg with a major in conservation; from 1994 surveying function in environmental planning in Frankfurt and Dresden; from 1995 to July 2001 self-employed in environmental planning; since August 2001 biology teacher at the private high school Evangelisches Kreuzgymnasium Dresden; from 2008 to 2014 Chief Financial Officer at WI
Why Wilderness International
As a student, I was confronted with the rapid destruction of the tropical rainforest in South America. All predictions of land loss – unthinkable in my eyes at that time – have come true, despite the best arguments for the preservation of forests. I cannot bear being an idle bystander to this process. Thankfully, Wilderness International gives me the opportunity to act for the conservation of our earth. Permanently preserving endangered forests through purchase, and at the same time reducing the climate footprint – that is as direct and simple as conservation can get. And thanks to Wilderness International, everyone can participate.
stephan.huerten@wilderness-international.org
Thomas Kimmel
Profession / Career
Diploma in Business Administration; currently working as CEO and owner of 7o7 Marketing GmbH and the tour operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen GmbH
Why Wilderness International
By founding the tour operator DIAMIR adventure travel, I turned my hobby into my profession. Our primary goal is the protection of intact natural habitat, as they constitute the basis for our adventure trips. Having travelled through the rainforests of Western Canada myself, I have a deep personal connection to the areas that Wilderness International protects. During this trip I also saw vast clear-cut areas and immediately knew – we have to prevent those from expanding! Working with Wilderness International allows me to do so: In Western Canada’s temperate rainforest, we protect intact nature, the home of big mammals and ancient trees. Conservation has thereby become more tangible for me, and I am forever convinced that we need to protect those last remaining wild old growth forests of our earth.
Thomas Mach
Member of Council
Profession / Career
since 2010: Head of Department Marketing & Sales at the tour operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen GmbH
Why Wilderness International
Growing up on Usedom, an island of the Baltic Sea, I have always had a special relation to nature. Since my youth, I have been traveling the continents of our earth in tours of up to several weeks. Over the course of time, however, an uneasiness grew within me. Something was bothering me, but I could not quite grasp what it was. Accompanying the work of a student for his thesis in sustainability at DIAMIR and seeing the start of Diamir’s forest conservation project with Wilderness International 2016, I became slowly aware of the cause for my uneasiness: Climate change, over tourism, social injustice and the exploitation of the resources of our planet are topics that concern my in my private and professional life. In my eyes, DIAMIR Adventure Travels offers an honest solution for tourism by travelling in small groups and offsetting its carbon footprint. Encouraging our clients to voluntarily compensate the other half of their trip’s carbon footprint makes people conscious of this topic that concerns us all. And I as well realized another thing that is very important: Auch bei mir stellte sich eine wichtige Erkenntnis ein: I am not alone with my thoughts and the desire to make a change.
As a father and nature lover, I feel the urgent need to become active for the conservation of intact nature. The expedition to the DIAMIR Forest in the Toba Valley left a lasting impression on me. The strong contrast between the intact nature along the Toba Valley and the large areas of clear cut around it showed me how important it is to protect these habitats and unique treasures of nature. Due to this impulse, my long-term cooperation with Wilderness International, and knowing the personal, honest commitment of all WI activists, I decided to join as a volunteer. Because I am not alone!
thomas.mach@wilderness-internatinal.org
Ronny Scholz
Member of Board and Manager of WI’s office in Dresden, Photographer
Profession / Career
Since 2001: Assistent for Medical Technology; since 2008: Photographer, Voluntary Accompaniment of Projects
Why Wilderness International
Sustainable change is only possible from bottom to top and with personal conviction. That’s what I believe in. And that is what made me join Wilderness International as a volunteer 10 years ago. The conservation of nature is an essential attitude for every human. The protection of biodiversity and the fragile ecological balance, the preservation of traditional places of living that protect our climate as well as the culture of indigenous peoples, the conservation of habitats, the prevention of global migrations due to hunger and poverty, the reduction of carbon emissions – all this and even more is part of nature conservation. Allowing individuals to experience this and motivating them as well as companies to become active, is what I love about my work at WI. I started with networking and accompanying projects with students and youth. My medical condition gave me more time to think and made me realize what a treasure the family is, with all its resources and other gifts worthy of safeguarding. So meanwhile, I have become an expert in preservation and enjoy it a lot.
Ever since I cannot work anymore, I focus the time at my hands on my tasks at WI. This work has shown me what a structured approach on needs and processes on top of an honestly motivated communication for our goal can achieve.
This is what I want to continue to do and consolidate. With transparency. With fun. With WI.
Jürgen Thiele
Chief Financial Officer
Profession / Career
Diploma electrical engineering; Scientific coworker at MLW research center; Clinical engineer dental clinic Medical Academy Dresden; CEO dental depot Anton Gerl Dresden
Why Wilderness International
In the 1970s and 80s, when I was a young man and an active winter sportsman, I had to witness the great forest decline in Germany’s Eastern Ore Mountains. On top of that came the nuclear disaster of Chernobyl in 1986. These events formed a strong environmental consciousness within me at a young age. Later, Kai Andersch inspired me to become involved in international conservation – first, supporting the Dresden Walk for the Wild with my company Gerl as an excited sponsor, then more intensely as a founding capital donor starting in 2008. Today, I volunteer as Chief Financial Officer.
juergen.thiele@wilderness-international.org
Charlotte Voigt
Member of Council
Profession / Career
2012: International Baccalaureate from Frankfurt International School. Two years studying Natural Resources Conservation in Vancouver, now continuing studies in Environmental- and Bio-resources management in Vienna.
Why Wilderness International
After my first time visiting the ancient forests of British Columbia I knew that this place was one of a kind and that the connection and calm I feel in this place, I would not find anywhere else. I decided to start volunteering with the organization during my last two years of school, raising awareness among my fellow students about this unique environment. After graduating I started my studies on conservation in Vancouver in order to learn more about the complex ecosystem; the temperate rainforest. During this time I also had the opportunity be a part of two expeditions and experience how this place plays its magic on other students, much the same as it did with me. I am glad to be able to share these experiences and contribute to the conservation efforts with Wilderness International.
Charlotte.voigt@wilderness-international.org
Ellen Weiland
Co-Founder and Former President of the German Foundation Council (2008-2017)
Profession / Career
Diploma Regional Studies China and Economy, University of Cologne and University of Chongqing, China; Masters in Responsible Management, Steinbeis Hochschule Berlin
Why Wilderness International
When I was only 16 years old, I fell in love with the rainforests of the West Coast during an exchange year in Seattle. However, over the decades, I had to witness how these unique wilderness areas were destroyed by logging and clear-cutting. Since the foundation of Wilderness International in 2008, luckily, we have been able to protect large areas of wilderness. It is my strongest motivation to keep protecting this unique treasure of nature with many like-minded people all over the world for coming generations.
Kai Andersch
Director WI Germany, Founding Member WI Peru
Profession / Career
Msc. Forestry Science; 21 years of project work in Canada; 8 years of project work in the Amazon region
Why Wilderness International
Wild nature is where I am inspired, where I feel at home. Next to a giant tree in the rainforest, aside the foggy river, or high atop a mountain – nature allows us to regain power, and to experience the big and small wonders of this world. Over the past 20 years, I have seen entire forests disappear, I have seen cities and streets encroach on lakes and valleys. From year to year, we lose more and more of our planet’s pristine nature – at a terrifying pace. It is forcing us to act! I adore nature, and as a part of Wilderness International, I want to fight for the future of an earth that never ceases to be amazing, wild, and beautiful.
kai.andersch@wilderness-international.org
Carina Büder
Member of Council
Profession / Career
2016: 1.5 years of voluntary service in Costa Rica, afterwards federal voluntary service with WI; since 2018: sport science degree program at university in Leipzig and Marburg
Why Wilderness International
I have always loved being active outside. Be it by the bank of a river, hiking through the mountains, in the forest or on the coast. Being in nature gives me strength and creativity. The unique symbioses between flora and fauna fascinate me and touch me deeply. Experiencing the rainforest impressed me a lot. Unfortunately, it also showed me how endangered this marvellous ecosystem is. I cannot believe nor understand how anyone can so ruthlessly destroy it. That is why Wilderness International’s work is so critically important and valuable.
Henriette Wessel
Communication, Vice President WI Peru
Profession / Career
2014: Environmental Ambassador; 2015-2017: Federal Volunteer Service at Wilderness International; 2017-2020: BA Intercultural Communication; since 2020: Communication Wilderness International
Why Wilderness International
Starting in 5th grade, I excitedly participated in the Walk for the Wild and carefully listened to the presentations about ancient giant forests. When later I read about the expedition to the Toba Valley, I realized that my chance had come to see and explore this amazing strange world with my own eyes. The people that I met on this trip and the adventures we had were so inspiring that I decided to do a Volunteer Gap Year for the organization before going to university, and I am already in my second volunteer year now. During this time, an extraordinary focus developed: the management of a culture and conservation expedition with German and Gwich’in First Nation Youth in the Canadian Western Arctic!
henriette.wessel@wilderness-international.org
Tobias Hürten
Key Account Manager WI Germany, Director WI Canada, Board Member WI Peru
Profession / Career
Environmental Ambassador 2014, two years of volunteering at Wilderness International after the Abitur High School Leaving Certificate, continuing work for WI
Why Wilderness International
When I was in 5th grade and heard about trees that are more than a hundred times older than us, I decided to take part in the Walk for the Wild. It felt good to be able to actively participate in the international and local protection of wilderness. Being able to go on an expedition to Western Canada in 11th grade was a crucial point in my life because I experienced the unique nature of the Toba Valley with all my senses. The wide, untouched wilderness there impressed me so much that I wanted to keep being involved in the foundation’s work. Organizing the Walks for the Wild and the Wilderness Team Challenges have allowed me to grow personally and realize new ideas. A second expedition to our protected wilderness areas and to the Western Arctic have once again shown me the importance of our work – and expanded my technical and cultural skills.
tobias.huerten@wilderness-international.org
David MacDonald
Director Wilderness International (Canada), Treasurer WI Peru
Profession / Career
BA Economics; 11 years of project work in Canada
Why Wilderness International
I have a deep love and respect for nature. The beauty and power of these wild places is something that we are only beginning to understand. Sadly, the rate at which these wild places are disappearing is of great concern to me. If we don’t act many of these will be lost forever! The passion and commitment of everyone at Wilderness International is truly inspiring. Their commitment to bring awareness to and educate is the direction we must take if we are to have these wild places left for our future.
Maria Laura Tolmos
Founding Member WI Peru
Profession / Career
M.Sc. Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology; since 2019: PhD student in Plant Ecology; Forestry, forest ecology and environmental consultant
Why Wilderness International
Growing up in the Peruvian Amazonia made me passionate about nature from an early age on, which encouraged me to pursue forest sciences as a bachelor in Peru, forest ecology as a master in Germany, and now a PhD in plant ecology. Throughout the years, the more I learnt, the more I liked and appreciated nature and everything that is part of it. However, I also got an extensive understanding of how rapidly mankind is exploiting it. Growing populations, deforestation, contamination, over-exploitation of resources, and all the consequences that come with it, are part of the day to day reality that I would like to contribute to solve. Being Peruvian has given me a very personal insight and perspective into these issues, and as part of Wilderness International I want to contribute to protect and recover unique ecosystems around the world, starting in my own country.
Fabian Mühlberger
Secretary WI Peru
Profession / Career
B.Sc. Biodiversity and Ecology and M.Sc. Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution with a focus on conservation at Georg-August University Göttingen; seit 2015: free-lance biologist, nature photographer and conservationist; seit 2018: nature photography and social media work for Wilderness International
Why Wilderness International
Ever since my childhood, I have been in love with nature and especially fascinated by primary forests. This obviously influenced my choice of career: currently, I am working professionally in conservation, with a focus on the preservation of wilderness and biodiversity in different ecosystems around the world. I learned about Wilderness International through my work as a nature travel guide for Diamir, one of the foundation’s partners. Wilderness International’s concept of direct, tangible wilderness protection and the highly motivated team immediately convinced me to become part of the organization to protect endangered, spectacular ancient forests together with them.
Dr. Chris Kirkby
President WI Peru
Profession / Career
Chris is a conservation biologist with a PhD from the University of East Anglia, an MRes from the University of York, and a BSc from the University of Edinburgh. He has been living in Peru since 1995 leading biodiversity research, tropical forest conservation, environmental education and community development projects for the Fauna Forever organisation with an emphasis on the rainforests of the Madre de Dios region in the southeast of the country.
Why Wilderness International
Joining Wilderness International was certainly fortuitous – right time, right place, and right group of people on a mission to conserve wild nature. A Peruvian friend of mine introduced me to Fabian Muhlberger back in 2018 and subsequently Fabian and David MacDonald joined me in the Tambopata rainforest of Peru in order to take photos of Amazon wildlife and to scout out the potential for conservation projects in the area. I always enjoy showing environmentally-conscious people around this corner of the Amazon because the sheer diversity of species of animals and plants tends to blow people’s minds. I am happy to say Fabian and David were impressed with the wild nature on offer in Tambopata. As a believer in collaborative nature conservation processes, due to the fact that it takes many minds and many skills to do it properly, we soon got talking about WI’s conservation aims and objectives. It quickly became apparent that WI’s strategy of conserving high biodiversity wilderness areas would fit very well into the local socio-environmental context of this area, and before too long I began actively helping the WI team forge a permanent presence in the Peruvian Amazon. I now chair the WI-Peru Board and lead the process of evaluating and subsequently procuring appropriate lands for long-term conservation outcomes in Peru.
Tom Andersch
Director of Operations
Profession / Career
Bachelor of International Business, HTW Dresden; Bachelor of Economics, Plekhanov Russian Academy of Economics, Moscow; Master of Sustainable Tourism Management, Eberswalde University of Applied Sciences; 2008 – 2020: Different leading positions at travel agencies such as Chamäleon and Lernidee Adventure Travel
Why Wilderness International
I work with Wilderness International because the protection of nature and the conservation of indigenous cultures for future generations is very important to me. Many of the current global conflicts trace back to a globally disturbed ecosystem and the resulting scarcity of resources. That is why the rainforests of Canada are just one wilderness area of many on the planet that we need to save. If we do not preserve and protect our natural environment, nature and culture will suffer from severe consequences. I stand for Wilderness International because I know that with them, my work for the conservation of nature and people has a guaranteed and tangible impact.
tom.andersch@wilderness-international.org
Henriette Wessel
Communication, Vice President WI Peru
Profession / Career
2014: Environmental Ambassador; 2015-2017: Federal Volunteer Service at Wilderness International; 2017-2020: BA Intercultural Communication; since 2020: Communication Wilderness International
Why Wilderness International
Starting in 5th grade, I excitedly participated in the Walk for the Wild and carefully listened to the presentations about ancient giant forests. When later I read about the expedition to the Toba Valley, I realized that my chance had come to see and explore this amazing strange world with my own eyes. The people that I met on this trip and the adventures we had were so inspiring that I decided to do a Volunteer Gap Year for the organization before going to university, and I am already in my second volunteer year now. During this time, an extraordinary focus developed: the management of a culture and conservation expedition with German and Gwich’in First Nation Youth in the Canadian Western Arctic!
henriette.wessel@wilderness-international.org
Tobias Hürten
Key Account Manager WI Germany, Director WI Canada, Board Member WI Peru
Profession / Career
Environmental Ambassador 2014, two years of volunteering at Wilderness International after the Abitur High School Leaving Certificate, continuing work for WI
Why Wilderness International
When I was in 5th grade and heard about trees that are more than a hundred times older than us, I decided to take part in the Walk for the Wild. It felt good to be able to actively participate in the international and local protection of wilderness. Being able to go on an expedition to Western Canada in 11th grade was a crucial point in my life because I experienced the unique nature of the Toba Valley with all my senses. The wide, untouched wilderness there impressed me so much that I wanted to keep being involved in the foundation’s work. Organizing the Walks for the Wild and the Wilderness Team Challenges have allowed me to grow personally and realize new ideas. A second expedition to our protected wilderness areas and to the Western Arctic have once again shown me the importance of our work – and expanded my technical and cultural skills.
tobias.huerten@wilderness-international.org
Ronny Scholz
Member of Board and Manager of WI’s office in Dresden, Photographer
Profession / Career
Since 2001: Assistent for Medical Technology; since 2008: Photographer, Voluntary Accompaniment of Projects
Why Wilderness International
Sustainable change is only possible from bottom to top and with personal conviction. That’s what I believe in. And that is what made me join Wilderness International as a volunteer 10 years ago. The conservation of nature is an essential attitude for every human. The protection of biodiversity and the fragile ecological balance, the preservation of traditional places of living that protect our climate as well as the culture of indigenous peoples, the conservation of habitats, the prevention of global migrations due to hunger and poverty, the reduction of carbon emissions – all this and even more is part of nature conservation. Allowing individuals to experience this and motivating them as well as companies to become active, is what I love about my work at WI. I started with networking and accompanying projects with students and youth. My medical condition gave me more time to think and made me realize what a treasure the family is, with all its resources and other gifts worthy of safeguarding. So meanwhile, I have become an expert in preservation and enjoy it a lot.
Ever since I cannot work anymore, I focus the time at my hands on my tasks at WI. This work has shown me what a structured approach on needs and processes on top of an honestly motivated communication for our goal can achieve.
This is what I want to continue to do and consolidate. With transparency. With fun. With WI.
Larissa Knauf
Federal Voluntary Service
Profession / Career
2016: Abitur in Marburg; Bachelor of Science in Economics, TU Dresden; since 2020: Federal Voluntary Service with Wilderness International
Why Wilderness International
Over the past years, I became more and more aware of the meaning of ecological correlations and the urgent need to protect our ecosystems and the beauty of nature. And with this growing awareness came the desire to actively dedicate my time to those topics. That is why after university, I was fascinated by the idea of doing a voluntary service with Wilderness International, where I have the chance to contribute to the protection of nature, with fun.
larissa.knauf@wilderness-international.org
Leon Köpke
Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ)
Profession / Career
2018: Realschulabschluss in Dresden; anschließend Fachabitur in Richtung Wirtschaft und Verwaltung, Abschluss Juli 2020; seit September 2020: Freiwilliges Ökologisches Jahr bei Wilderness International
Why Wilderness International
The plants and animals of our planet have always fascinated me, and most of all areas of untouched nature. Over the years, I had the opportunity to visit many regions, such as the amazon rainforest, and experience how important a harmonic balance between humans and nature is. I am excited to actively contribute to the protection of untouched nature during my voluntary service year with Wilderness International.
leon.koepke@wilderness-international.org
Johann-Georg Cyffka
Networking Sustainability and CO2 Partnerships
Profession / Career
BA in Business Management, University of Sunderland; B.Sc. in Hospitality and Luxury Brand Management, IEMI Paris; M. Sc. Sustainability Sciences, Leuphana University Lüneburg; DEKRA environmental auditor and energy management officer; 2015-2020: Active in marketing and sustainability consulting at 7o7 Marketing and DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen
Why Wilderness International
I am proud to be part of a movement that is committed to the protection of the primal nature that still exists today, and that also focuses on the education for sustainable development of future generations. For us as a society, it is important to raise awareness for our environment and to actively establish climate protection with real solutions for both private individuals as well as companies. The visualization of the consumption of nature in our lives and the simultaneous transformation into environmental protection concepts drives me to work at Wilderness International for both the permanent protection of nature as well as modern solutions.
Huu Nguyen
Federal Voluntary Service
Profession / Career
2016-2021: software engineer
Why Wilderness International
I come from Vietnam, a southeast Asian country. Before becoming a volunteer at Wilderness International, I have been working as a software engineer tester for 5 years. I got to know about Wilderness International by a German friend who also inspired me to challenge myself with new things and new experiences. At Wilderness International, I would like to become a part of the team and contribute my time, my effort and my youth to protect our wild areas on our planet. Here, I am responsible to help organizing, creating a better ticket and issue system by my working experience and volunteering in any kinds of task.
Max Kaltofen
Federal Voluntary Service
Profession / Career
2021: Abitur; currently: Federal Voluntary Service
Why Wilderness International
The 2018 Environmental Ambassador Expedition made me appreciate the Foundation and the forest. Now I am looking forward to spending a year working with friendly and motivated people and being a part of the great forest conservation machine Wilderness International. Since nature also helps me feel good in my everyday life, I want to say thank you through my work.
Thea Sobczyk
Voluntary Ecological Year
Profession / Career
2021: Abitur; currently: Voluntary Ecological Year
Why Wilderness International
There are only a few untouched natural areas left on our planet and even these are increasingly threatened by humans in their untouched state and beauty. Thereby also the habitat of flora and fauna is actively endangered and thus the biodiversity is limited. Since the protection of nature and the environment has become more and more important to me in recent years, I would like to make a contribution and use my Federal Ecological Service Year in a meaningful way to support the team of Wilderness International in the protection of unique and untouched nature.
Kai-Hagen Kreisci
Federal Voluntary Service
Profession / Career
2021: Abitur; currently: Federal Voluntary Service
Why Wilderness International
Whether preserving biodiversity, storing water and carbon, or producing oxygen, forests are an essential part of our environment. Current trends still testify to a merciless treatment of nature. In order to counteract this, I am doing my federal voluntary service at Wilderness, because I am convinced that I can make an important contribution to the protection of forests by developing the CO2 calculator.
Marco Lou
Director Wilderness International (Canada)
Profession / Career
Director WI Canada
Why Wilderness International
I grew up in rural western Canada, knowing I was fortunate to enjoy the freedom of open spaces, hiking, camping and horseback riding. I developed a lifelong identity connected to nature and wild spaces. I feel joy and freedom wherever I experience something new or unexpected in the natural beauty of the world around me. Increasingly I see how these spaces require preservation. Photography and adventure touring gave me ways to retain and share these experiences. I believe it is vital to see deeply into nature to understand the spiritual connection we have to the earth. Daily life feels overstimulated yet desensitized to a meaningful relationship with a world we depend on to sustain us. Thinking collectively, I feel the smallness of individual being within a stronger whole. Each part serves to build an amazing network to which we belong. In belonging, I find meaning and purpose. My hope and my goal is to honour my commitment to bridge and shield. Who I am at heart is a connector and protector. Family, environment, and community are an inseparable expression of my life and the footprints I leave. With Wilderness International, I have community and meaningful action.