Loredana, you have had many years of experience working in international cooperation. What are the major points of contact with PanEco?

“What makes PanEco special is that we implement programmes in Switzerland itself and also work with local and international organisations in Indonesia. We work on similar issues, but in different contexts across linguistic, cultural and geographical boundaries. For example, it is exciting to see how similar our bird of prey station in Berg am Irchel and our orangutan Quarantine and Rehabilitation Centre in Sumatra function. The fact that we are working together with our partner organisation YEL to achieve the same goals and make a positive impact on species protection and the conservation of natural resources is motivating and unifying. At the same time, international cooperation between different partner organisations – we also work with other Indonesian and international nature conservation organisations – thrives on complementarity. Our partner organisation is ahead of us in some areas, while we have more expertise in others. I find it particularly exciting to look to the future together and develop strategies that will enable us to continue to be at the forefront of the issues close to our hearts in Switzerland and Indonesia in ten years’ time.

Loredana Sorg
Agricultural economist, co-managing director

What are you particularly passionate about?

«The diversity and relevance of our work motivates me every day. When I cycle to Berg in the morning, I can look forward to exciting conversations with dedicated colleagues at the office, and I can see the meaning and necessity of our work with my own eyes. PanEco works with school classes at the Thurauen Nature Centre and the Bird of Prey Station – investing in the younger generation is always worthwhile – and, together with the ranger team, contributes to an active dialogue between the population and nature conservation. Working with our various experts is very enriching and I learn something new every day.»

Martin, after completing your studies at ETH Zurich, you worked for various NGOs. What excites you about your new position?

«During my first few months at PanEco, I had the opportunity to get to know a motivated, committed and professional team. It is a great pleasure and inspiration for me to be able to help shape the future of PanEco together with this team and thus contribute to nature and species conservation in Switzerland and Indonesia – and it’s really fun!»

Martin Schmid
Environmental scientist, co-director

What professional experience can you bring to PanEco’s fields of activity?

«Over the past twenty years, I have gained a wealth of valuable experience in international cooperation and the environmental sector at various organisations in Switzerland and abroad. In addition to the exciting and sometimes challenging work, I have found leading different teams over the past fifteen years to be particularly enriching – most recently for four years working alongside Loredana. I think working in a co-leadership role extremely inspiring for this task and I definitely want to continue with this model. My goal is to create the best possible conditions for PanEco’s dedicated team so that everyone can contribute their strengths, and we can work together full of energy to advance the foundation’s causes.»

After your first six months, you can surely name three adjectives that particularly apply to PanEco…

«Inspiring: PanEco has a unique team that knows how to win people over, both inside and outside the organisation for nature and species conservation and inspire them in the long term.
Professional: With its broad specialist and expert knowledge, the team applies its skills in a targeted and highly professional manner in its daily work – from strategy to concrete implementation in the field.
Diverse: PanEco is a multifaceted organisation with strong pillars. Despite this diversity, its focus remains clear: to promote nature and species conservation in Switzerland and Indonesia with complete conviction and effectiveness.»

«In PanEco, we have found an organisation that would need to be founded immediately if it did not already exist. With its professional commitment, it makes a real difference in nature and species conservation in the region and in Indonesia, in preserving the basis of existence of birds of prey, orangutans and us humans, as well as providing practical environmental education for children and adults.»

Loredana Sorg and Martin Schmid