Oliver Avramoski appointed as new director of IUCN ECARO

The Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECARO) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has appointed Oliver Avramoski as its new director. The announcement comes as the office celebrates 20 years of operation in Belgrade.

As part of the global IUCN network, ECARO focuses on supporting biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management and strengthening the capacities of its member states.

With over thirty years of experience in nature conservation, Oliver Avramoski will play a key role in furthering the office’s development and implementing its missions for environmental conservation, the organization said.

He brings significant academic expertise in environmental science, nature conservation, biology, ecology, and political science, the statement reads.

Avramoski holds a doctorate and master’s degree from the Central European University in environmental science and environmental policy. Additionally, he graduated in bioengineering and earned a master’s degree in biology from the University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje.

IUCN’s Director-General Grethel Aguilar expressed optimism about the organization’s future under the new leadership. “Oliver brings to this role a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to nature conservation. I greatly welcome his appointment and am confident that under his leadership, IUCN will continue to drive positive change for nature and people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. We look forward to future achievements in the region, working hand in hand with our members and partners,” she said.

During his career, Avramoski held various roles

Avramoski returned to IUCN ECARO, where he worked as a program coordinator for protected areas from 2015 to 2018. He succeeds Boris Erg, who has moved on after eight years of service to the position of director of the IUCN Regional Office for Europe in Bonn.

“I am honored to lead IUCN ECARO into its next chapter and embrace the leadership position as the office marks 20 years of working towards a sustainable future in the region. I look forward to leveraging our collective expertise to drive impactful conservation initiatives, foster partnerships, and tackle the pressing environmental challenges in Eastern Europe and Central Asia,” Avramoski emphasized.

Throughout his career, the new regional director has undertaken various roles, including serving as the senior grants coordinator for the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust program and contributing to nature conservation efforts in Albania and North Macedonia.

Before his latest appointment, Avramoski held the position of head of the Department for Nature Protection in the Galičica National Park, overseeing initiatives for biodiversity monitoring and forestry teams aimed at protecting ecosystems.