Mr. Konstantin Ivanov has extensive experience in nature conservation, including freshwater restoration and climate change adaptation projects, as well as managerial, fundraising, advocacy and campaigning work. Mr. Ivanov holds a Master's Degree from the University of Sofia in Business Journalism and a Diploma in European Journalism from the Danish School of Journalism. In his early career as a journalist, he has worked for a variety of media outlets, last with the BBC World Service.
Later, Mr. Ivanov moved into communications, fundraising and campaigning for WWF in Central and Eastern Europe. As Head of Communications for WWF Danube-Carpathian Programme, he has managed and coordinated staff spread across six countries of Central and Eastern Europe. During the last 12 years, he has also worked closely with most Adriatic and Western Balkan countries.
Mr. Ivanov brings a wealth of international experience that includes - for example - expert engagements with the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) in developing their Sturgeon Strategy among others.
He has also executed multiple successful projects of regional importance in cooperation with the private sector. For example, a major project to restore vital wetlands along the River Danube and and its tributaries in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria has created a regional movement to protect these important habitats.
"In light of climate change, urbanization and other rapidly growing global threats, water is becoming the most valuable global resource. I will be working tirelessly with governments, CSOs and businesses to make sure GWP's mission gets close to the hearts of the 100+ million people who call Central and Eastern Europe their home." said Mr. Ivanov, when asked about his vision for the region.
GWP CEE Regional Council members and GWP CEE Secretariat welcome the new regional Head and at the same time, would like to express their gratitude to Mr. Richard Muller, who acted very efficiently as GWP CEE Regional Coordinator since July 2013.