Behind the Scenes: Alex Antonelli takes us inside WWF's global boardroom

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WWF primarily focuses on various environmental and conservation projects, both locally and globally, with the goal of preserving biodiversity, restoring natural habitats, and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources. The entire organization operates as an independent foundation, led by an international board.

Since the beginning of the year, Alexandre Antonelli, Professor at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, has been one of eleven carefully selected members of the international board.

"I was deeply honored to join WWF International's board. This happens at a time when reversing the curve of biodiversity loss is not only a necessity but also our moral responsibility," says Alexandre Antonelli.

What kind of issues are on the board’s agenda?
"It ranges from geopolitics and how it affects our international work in countries like Ukraine and the Republic of Congo, to how we can collectively help the world achieve the ambitious goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework by 2030," says Antonelli, who has just returned from his first international board meeting, held in Portugal.

The board meets four times a year, with two digital meetings and two physical ones. One of the physical meetings is always held at WWF International’s headquarters in Gland, Switzerland, while the other takes place in one of the network’s member countries. Additionally, board members engage in various committees and assignments via digital meetings and participate in a global conference every other year.

Does board work take up a lot of time?
"It is estimated to require about 15 working days per year. It is an unpaid, voluntary role, with only travel expenses covered. We need to study a substantial amount of material before the meetings to ensure we are well prepared," Antonelli continues.

What do you personally hope to contribute more concretely through your work on the board?
"I believe my main contribution will be strengthening the connection between research and practice. Furthermore, I will help build bridges between the Nordic WWF operations and the international network, as well as bring unique perspectives as a Brazilian and a botanist."

Classic sports question: How does it feel, after completing the first meeting?
"I was very curious to learn about the organization from the inside – the culture shaped by decades of meetings, the messages the leaders would convey, and whether I would fit in. It was incredibly inspiring but also a lot to take in – I felt completely exhausted afterward. But I made many new friends!"