Maarten has a background in wildlife and landscape ecology. He has been active for over 15 years in both conservation biology research and applied conservation settings. He worked on landscape ecology and connectivity modelling in Belgium before joining the Ya'axché Conservation Trust in Belize, Central America. There, he helped develop a biodiversity research and monitoring programme and provided ecological advice on climate-smart alternative livelihoods for local communities.
Maarten holds a PhD from both the University of Goettingen and Bangor University, studying landscape connectivity for large mammals in the forests of Belize and, more generally, the use of satellite telemetry in wildlife research. Most recently, at the IUCN Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, he facilitated the production of national Red Lists in the Balkan region and helped kick-off the IUCN Save Our Species Central Asia initiative.
Maarten provides technical guidance to and supports the implementation of projects related to wildlife and connectivity.
