“Preserving the wilderness, protecting its flora and fauna and reviving the natural habitats of our planet – this means relearning to coexist with Nature, without dominating it. We need a philosophical and moral revolution.”

Trained as a lawyer, specialising in environmental and spatial planning law, I am campaign leader international at Fondation Franz Weber and co-director of Helvetia Nostra. In addition to my legal work to preserve Switzerland’s landscapes and cultural heritage, I am also responsible for several international campaigns, including the fight against bullfighting and the protection of endangered species from international trade. I represent Fondation Franz Weber and Helvetia Nostra in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, where I come from.
As a lover of the mountains and the ocean, I imagine a future where humanity finally gives room for the surrounding natural world to thrive.

Languages: French, English, Spanish, German, Portuguese (basics)

“Taking care of all living beings in the world is the best way to take care of oneself.” Dalai Lama

As a trained economist, I specialize in environmentally and socially responsible investments and change projects.

My responsibilities at Fondation Franz Weber (FFW) include fundraising and organizational development. Respectful and careful use of our resources is a priority at FFW, including in fundraising. Thus, I am responsible for the necessary digitalization and efficient, cost-effective administration. I am also responsible for selected nature and animal conservation projects in the German-speaking area of Switzerland.

My love for animals and nature shapes all my thoughts and actions. Therefore, for me, there is no doubt whatsoever that we humans can no longer afford the high price we pay every day for exploiting animals and destroying nature.

Languages: German, English, French, Spanish (basics)

“At Fondation Franz Weber, I feel like the architect of a new world – a world that hasn’t yet been born, but exists in our hearts and minds: a world without violence, with civilised and progressive people who protect the planet and dedicate themselves to the well-being of their fellow humans and other animals.”

I coordinate a team of 22 people across nine countries, and work with organisations, the media and governments all over the globe. In addition, I am the coordinator of the concept ZOOXXI.

Languages: Spanish, Catalan, Portuguese, Italian

“So long, and thanks for all the fish.” Douglas Adams

As a zoologist and marine biologist, nature, the oceans and their inhabitants have been my lifelong passion. It hurts me on a personal level to see how the environment and animals suffer because of us humans. For this reason, I work scientifically, professionally and privately to protect nature, animals and species.

In my role at Fondation Franz Weber, I am able to devote my energy to protecting coral fish, among others. We undertake research into the trade in marine ornamental fishes and are committed to marine protected areas. Nature conservation in Switzerland and abroad are also important tasks. Wildlife is increasingly being pushed back by us humans, causing their presence in human habitats to sometimes be seen as a disturbance. I am convinced that new methods of “wildlife management” are required – instead of regularly reaching for the shotgun.

This is a stroke of luck for me professionally and personally, because they coincide with my interests and my knowledge.

Languages: German, Italian, English, French, Spanish

“We do not have two hearts, one for animals and one for humans; we either have a heart or we do not have any. ” Alphonse de Lamartine

Every day, I put a drop of water in the ocean that represents the vital protection of the environment and animals. These really may just be drops in the face of the enormous challenges we face. And still, every day I am convinced that every drop of water contributes to the improvement and safeguarding of values, which I am totally committed to.

Languages: French, German

“I see only one way of knowing how far one can go and that is to begin to walk.” M. Bergson

Trained as a lawyer, I work on Swiss campaigns, specifically on the protection of trees and forests, and international campaigns (conservation of endangered species).

My work with Fondation Franz Weber allows me to align my professional activity with my values and convictions. Preserving the environment and restoring harmony between humans and nature is essential, and I want to be a part of this change.

Languages: French, English, German, Spanish

“Currently, humanity is at war with nature, if we win, we’re lost.” Hubert Reeves

I work for the association Sauver Lavaux and also support Fondation Franz Weber and Helvetia Nostra. Through my work, I can help ease man’s war against nature. I hope to be able to reduce the impact of our delusions of grandeur on our centuries-old landscapes and on the animals. Preserve, protect and perpetuate are the objectives I hope to achieve with the foundation and the committed team that keeps it alive.

Languages: French, English, German, Italian (basics)

“One day you’re going to wake up and you’re not going to have time for the things you always wanted to do. Do them now.” Paulo Coehlo

Nature, animals, our human existence have always touched me and are very close to my heart.

I am deeply impressed by the dedication and care that Fondation Franz Weber demonstrates towards these important topics. I am all the more grateful for the opportunity to support the organization and its visionaries with my extensive administrative expertise.

Languages: German, French, English

“We have inherited nature from our parents. But we have also borrowed it from our children.” Richard von Weizsäcker

As a child, I found happiness with animals and in nature. Today, I help to protect animals and nature so that our children can find happiness in their natural habitat for many generations to come.

I have been working at Fondation Franz Weber (FFW) since 1994. I have been involved in numerous campaigns, initiatives and projects and have witnessed countless successes. Again and again, I am impressed by the perseverance and efficiency of FFW. I know that I am in the right place here and that I can help to do good. In addition to advising and supporting our benefactors, I am also the contact person for legacies and inheritances. I help to keep our CRM system up to date and I’m also co-responsible for accounting donations and managing administrative tasks of the foundation.

Languages: German, French, English (basics)

“Always listen to the world like a child who is amazed at everything. Cherish a feeling of love and admiration for all creation, from the tiniest blade of grass to the most distant star. This way you will rediscover the harmony that has been lost.” Native American wisdom

Growing up in the countryside, I was fortunate to spend most of my time outside in nature. For us kids, nature was synonymous with freedom, because it offered us endless possibilities. I have always had a great admiration for nature. So it was important to me to fully identify myself professionally with my belief system. Hence, I’m glad to have been part of the FFW team for many years.

I used work on many projects and campaigns as assistant to Franz and Judith Weber. Today, I advise and look after our benefactors, keep the CRM system up to date and take care of the donations for certain events. Furthermore, I ensure that all our activities are documented and continue to exist in an archive. It is also part of my job to help with a variety of administrative tasks, as well as research work. Thanks to my vast experience at FFW, I’m able to answer special requests and thus efficiently support our president.

Languages: German, French, English, Italian (basics)

“We only have one world, and that is exactly why we need to take care of it.”

I am so grateful to be part of a foundation that fights so passionately for a world worth living in for animals, people, and nature. My work at Fondation Franz Weber involves looking after patrons and sponsors, managing donations, and other administrative tasks. I am positive that together we can make our world a better place, even if the steps we take are small sometimes!

Languages: German, Italian, French, English

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Anatole France

They say there is nothing more beautiful than making your work your passion. And so it has been. Thanks to the Franz Weber Foundation and my studies in journalism and audiovisuals I can give a voice to animals through different communication campaigns.

Languages: Spanish, Catalan, English, French

“Animals are not properties or “things” but rather living organisms, subjects of a life, who are worthy of our compassion, respect, friendship, and support”. Marc Bekoff

Since I began working at Fondation Franz Weber, I have learned to develop a holistic vision for implementing effective safeguards for animals – involving everything from technical know-how, political processes, to spreading the word about a particular matter. ZOOXXI is one of my key topics and my biggest campaign.

Language: Spanish

“Nothing else in the world… not all the armies… is so powerful as an idea whose time has come.” Victor Hugo

I believe that the time of animal rights has come. I have a range of qualifications in social work, violence prevention, political communication and managing non-profit organisations. I’m happy to be able to apply my knowledge at Fondation Franz Weber.

Languages: Galician, Spanish, English, Portuguese

“The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.” Charles Darwin

My career has been marked by animal protection and biodiversity conservation, transforming zoos into conservation centers, releasing captive elephants into the wild, and designing conservation programs in Argentina and South America.

As the Director of the Sanctuary Equidad, my main goal is to ensure the well-being and freedom of almost two hundred horses and many other animals, all rescued from human abuse. In collaboration with local NGOs and governments, I also design and execute our biodiversity conservation strategy to preserve and restore our native nature, flora and fauna. Furthermore, my team and I strive to honour the memory of forgotten local cultures and protect their ancestral legacy and homeland.

Managing the Sanctuary Equidad allows me to contribute to FFW’s multiple missions in a unique way, combining the protection of animals, nature, landscapes and homelands all within the same project.

Languages: Spanish, English

“The essence of true animal welfare lies in respect and empathy, recognizing that all living beings deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion. By internalizing this, we become guardians of biodiversity, advocates for animal respect and promoters of ecosystems to maintain a balance that contributes to the conservation of our planet.”

As a veterinarian, specialized in animal welfare, I am proud to be part of Fondation Franz Weber and with that, part of a team committed to caring for life in all its forms. Every day, I have the opportunity to contribute to the care and protection of animals, promoting their well-being and fighting for a world where they are respected and valued as living beings.

Languages: Spanish, English (basic), Portuguese (basic)

“This world has great voices, not all of them are human.”

My responsibilities at the Sanctuary Equidad revolve around providing support for the daily operations of the team and volunteers, creating optimal conditions that allow for their development and ensuring that the experience at the sanctuary is as positive as possible.

Additionally, as a veterinarian, I support in clinical activities, treatments and diagnoses of the individuals under our care, in order to guarantee the well-being of all the animals residing at Equidad.

Being part of the Fondation Franz Weber team is an opportunity for me to protect and defend all animals, to provide them with a dignified and respectful life, and to make a significant difference in promoting animal rights. It is about fostering a world where all beings are appreciated and treated with love and compassion.

Languages: Spanish, English (basics)

“The good man is a friend of all living beings.” Mahatma Gandhi

As a trained biologist specialized in ecology and conservation projects, I am involved in the daily operations of the Sanctuary Equidad. I coordinate the visits and tasks of the volunteers and assist the management in planning programs for the conservation of local biodiversity.

Being part of the human race and being aware of the damage we inflict on the planet we inhabit, saddens me. Working at Fondation Franz Weber motivates me and fills me with hope to contribute to the protection and preservation of nature and the welfare of animals in both, my personal life and profession.

Being part of the Fondation Franz Weber team allows me to combine my passion with my profession and offers me the opportunity to work with a group of colleagues who share the same interests.

Languages: Spanish, English, Italian

“The cumulative effect of millions of ethical decisions can change the world.” Jane Goodall

I was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador and have been collaborating with the Ecuadorian delegation of FFW for years.

At the Sanctuary Equidad, I support in the coordination of volunteers and act as a facilitator helping to meet the needs of the team and the daily operations of the sanctuary.

Our goal is to provide the animals that come to us with a life of freedom for the rest of their lives. We actively strive for this and continuously work towards it. It has been a wonderful experience to be part of this project.

Languages: Spanish, English

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi

I represent Fondation Franz Weber in Argentina. Based in Cordoba, I work closely with governments, universities and civil organisations. I coordinate the campaign Proyecto ELE, where we work closely with zoos in Argentina to transfer any captive elephants to sanctuaries. Our goal is to end elephant captivity in zoos throughout Latin America. I am also responsible for our campaign to put an end to horse slaughterhouses and mare blood farms in Argentina.

Fondation Franz Weber inspires me every day to fight for a better world.

Languages: Spanish, English

“Cooperation is the thorough conviction that nobody can get there unless everybody gets there.” Virginia Burden

I transitioned from being an Art Director in various advertising agencies to becoming an advocate for animal rights. Creativity, photography, video and editing are some of the tools I use to communicate the reality and needs of different animals.

Within FFW, I was responsible for the communication of the Sanctuary Equidad for five years. Currently, I work with the Ecuador delegation team and the ELE Project, covering the transfers of elephants to the Elephant Sanctuary Brazil.

My motivation in every job at FFW is knowing that I contribute to making the world a fairer place.

Languages: Spanish

“I believe in the power of the people to be able to fight injustice and misinformation.”

I lead the campaign “¡Basta de TaS!” in Latin America. The objective is to replace rubbish-collection horses with motorized vehicles. I am also Public Policy Manager for coordinating the transformation of zoological institutions in Latin America. In particular, I am an advisor to the Ecoparque Mendoza, Argentinien.

Since childhood, I have been committed to issues that move me. Fondation Franz Weber gave me the opportunity to combine my passion with my work.

Languages: Spanish, English

“Where there’s a law, there’s a legal remedy to enforce it.”

I have been a lawyer since 2017, undertaking many legal proceedings defending non-human animals. At FFW I have found a very courageous group of humans who really love what they do and have given me enormous support in my work.

Languages: Spanish, English

“We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.” Elie Wiesel

From Argentina, where I graduated from the University of Buenos Aires as a graphic designer and studied photography along with other audio-visual disciplines, I work on different projects at Fondation Franz Weber in design and communications.

Languages: Spanish, English, French

For many years, I have been dedicated to the world of technology and system development. Throughout my career, I have held diverse roles in vatious companies. This has enabled me to grow professionally, enhance my technological skills, and recognize the importance of working in environments that align with my values and worldview for professional satisfaction.

Today, I feel honoured and fortunate to be part of a multidisciplinary team where I can applymy knowledge and skills, successfully combining my passion for technology with my strong commitment to advocating for animal welfare.

Languages: Spanish, English

“Fondation Franz Weber has been a key activist in Chile. Its support in legislative matters and the work it has done for animal welfare certainly positions our institution as a staunch ally.”

I represent Fondation Franz Weber in Chile. At the national level, I collaborate with a large number of social organizations, political authorities and notable opinion leaders. The last few years of my career have been defined by legislative work and designing spaces for dialogue (and consensus) between the social world and the world of politics.

Languages: Spanish, English (basic)

“We work day in and day out to restore marine life to what it once was: no cages, no chains – just animals in freedom.”

After studying politics in Colombia, I joined the Fondation Franz Weber team. I coordinate operations in Colombia, which mainly focus on efforts to secure peace and environmental protection.

Languages: Spanish, English

“Governments must work on a common agenda to develop animal rights. Creating public policies to protect animals will prevent social violence. It is important for us as society to push states in that direction and to understand that protecting animals means protecting all of us.”

I am a psychologist and hold a Master’s degree in Governance and Public Management for Latin America from the University Pompeu Fabra (UPF) in Barcelona. I am a member of the Coordinadora por la Prevención de Abusos (CoPPA). From 2016 to 2019 I was office manager of the research institute “Estudios para la Relación entre Animales y Humanos”(ERAH) of the government of the province of Guayas (Ecuador). The institute researches the relationship between humans and animals from a scientific perspective.

I am currently coordinating a project in the Galapagos Islands, San Cristóbal, on the management of urban fauna. The project aims to reduce urban fauna’s negative impact on the conservation efforts of endemic species.

Languages: Spanish, English

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Martin Luther King Jr.

I represent the Fondation Franz Weber in the project “Convivencia Responsable” (engl. Responsible Living Together) on the Galapagos Islands and I am also responsible for the communication for global campaigns in the Spanish-speaking world. I am happy to be able to contribute professionally in a place where my personal efforts to leave a positive footprint on the planet find reinforcement on an organizational level.

Languages: Spanish, English

“I believe that we can create a world in which the suffering of animals and ecological destruction are no longer necessary ‒ based on well-founded information, scientific findings and international guidelines.”

I work intensively with governmental and non-governmental organisations to drive forward Fondation Franz Weber projects in Peru.

Languages: Spanish, English

„It takes nothing away from a human to be kind to an animal.“ Joaquin Phoenix

Based in Sydney, Australia, I represent Fondation Franz Weber (FFW) in Australia and I’m the Project Manager for the Wild Horse Sanctuary Bonrook in Australia and the Horse Sanctuary Equidad in Argentina.

Furthermore, I collaborate with the team in Bern, Switzerland: In addition to my role in editing the German edition of the quarterly Journal Franz Weber, I work on campaigns and social media activities.

While it had always been my dream to work for an animal protection organization and put my energy and passion towards helping animals, I first worked for a major healthcare company in Basel, Switzerland and the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) in Rome, Italy where I gained invaluable and wide-ranging business skills.

After volunteering for two animal welfare projects in Thailand and Japan, I managed the transition to work for Fondation Franz Weber – first at the head office in Bern and now in Sydney.

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Economics from University of Basel, and a Certificate in Film Production and Digital Media from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Languages: German, English, Spanish, French (basics)

“Yet when the dawn makes pink the sky and steals along the plain, the brumby horses turn and fly towards those hills again.” A. Banjo Paterson

I have been employed by Fondation Franz Weber at Bonrook Station since 1996. Born in Adelaide (South Australia), I first came to the Northern Territory as a child in 1973 and have been working on stations and farms locally since 1984. In 1989, when FFW first set up the wild horse sanctuary, my father, Jim Forwood, worked for FFW as a consultant. I was originally hired in 1996 for a short-term contract to fix fences around the property. Well-versed in land and horse management, it wasn’t long until I became the Station Manager of the wild horse sanctuary. My role is very diverse and covers all aspects of land and animal management over the 500 square kilometre property.

Languages: English

“The truth is that we will never save the environment and wildlife by killing it.“ Steve Irwin

I have been a friend and associate of Fondation Franz Weber for nearly 30 years. I joined the FFW international team in 2021 as Representative Australia. I’m an internationally trained, award-winning hairstylist and business entrepreneur with over 40 years industry experience. As a Director of Glamazon Hair Salon in Darwin, I’m not only a successful business owner, I’m also qualified in workplace assessment and employee training.

Leveraging my vast local network of station owners, politicians and horse-lovers in the Northern Territory, I help to increase awareness about the Wild Horse Sanctuary Bonrook and the importance of protecting wild horses. I support the development and implementation of Bonrook’s fundraising strategies and I’m in charge of the local volunteer network to onboard and train them.

I personally believe, to be of service to people is a privilege. However, to be of service to animals, the environment and FFW is to live a life of bliss.

Languages: English

“No matter how high a bird flies, it will eventually land.” African proverb

It is indeed absurd to believe we could continue to consume resources indefinitely, make products, use them and discard them. That’s why I am committed, together with Fondation Franz Weber, to protect the biodiversity, flora and fauna in Africa. Furthermore, I am committed to the preservation of the architectural heritage of my country and elsewhere, as well as to the recovery of forgotten craft techniques.

Languages: French, English

Originally from the UK, I’m an environmental lawyer, campaigner and political strategist. For over 36 years, I have campaigned to protect wildlife and its habitats from exploitation by international trade. In 1988, my work as a wildlife trade investigator lead me to Kenya and Tanzania, where I witnessed firsthand the impacts of rampant poaching and illegal trade on African elephants. Since then, I have been passionate about ending the threat to elephants posed by the ivory trade.

In 1999, I became an environmental lawyer so I could more effectively advocate for change in international environmental policy and law, particularly by influencing CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity). For many years, I was actively involved in the Climate Change Convention and was at the forefront of a campaign to reduce emissions from deforestation. Our work culminated in the incorporation of environmental and social safeguards in the Paris Agreement. I’m the author of the book Policing International Trade in Endangered Species: the CITES Treaty and Compliance. I have a master’s degree in environmental law from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London and a PhD in Biochemistry from University College London.

Languages: English, French (basics)

I’m Fondation Franz Weber’s consultant with regard to the African Elephant Coalition at CITES.

As Expert in environmental protection and endangered wild species, I has extensive experience in environmental protection and international relations. In particular, I represented Tunisia in the negotiation of several environmental agreements, MEAs, and the Mediterranean Action Plan. I also led my country’s delegation at CITES.

After several years with the IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare), I joined Fondation Franz Weber in 2014; I’m working actively for the protection of African elephants.

Languages: French, Arabic, English

I am a Canadian-British conservation biologist and environmental consultant based in Oxford, UK, with over 40 years’ professional experience, which includes: project design, management, and monitoring/evaluation in the fields of biodiversity research and conservation, community-based natural resource management, and policy/institutional analysis in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

My life-long involvement with elephants began in 1977 with the Amboseli Elephant Research Project (AERP) in southern Kenya, and MSc and PhD research projects on feeding ecology and population demography. I have remained a Collaborating Researcher with AERP, focusing on ecosystem change, elephant ranging, and human-elephant co-existence. My professional work has included elephant-focused assignments in southern Africa (Botswana, South Africa), Central Africa (regional elephant conservation), West Africa (Mali) and East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania). Broader concerns include the trade in ivory  and live elephants under CITES (the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species) and the welfare of captive elephants in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Languages: English, Kiswahili (basics)

Born in Nairobi, I hold a B.A. degree in International Relations, with a minor in Behavioural Sciences.

I am the Director of Pan-African Wildlife Conservation Network, the Founder and Chair of the Kenya Elephant Forum and a member of the East African Wildlife Society. I had an active role in developing the African Elephant Coalition and the Kenya Elephant Forum – both highly influential advocacy groups in the campaign for the preservation of elephants.

As an expert in wildlife conservation, and in particular the protection of elephants, I advise Foundation Franz Weber in its work in favour of the African elephant.

Languages: Kiswahili, English, French, Spanish (basics)

I have been involved for more than 25 years in EU public affairs, having worked at the European Commission for a number of years, before spending more than a decade at two of Brussels’ leading public affairs agencies. I’ve had the good fortune to have campaigned on a number of animal conservation issues with different coalitions of European and international groups for more than 15 years. This has included, in particular, supporting the lifelong ambition of the Fondation Franz Weber to end the international ivory trade. It is a privilege to support the Foundation on this and help raise awareness among politicians of how the EU ivory trade has contributed to elephants becoming critically endangered in much of their range in Africa. To that end, I engage Members of the European Parliament and also work with EU officials and diplomats in Brussels, as well as national MPs and officials in European countries. One thing I have learned over the years of working with the EU is not to take No – or Yes – for an answer so perseverance is key!

Languages: English, French