MX CH FR DE
Experience
1997
Economist | Head, Conservation Finance and Donor Relations | Head, Countdown 2010, IUCN
2010
Biodiversity Advisor, EU Spanish Presidency
2010
Vice President, Programme & Outreach, Global Footprint Network
2019
Senior Advisor, Nature Based Solutions, UNEP
2022
Director General, CIC
2025
Director Climate Finance, Green Initiative
Vision + Supporters
Electing Sebastian Winkler to the IUCN Council means selecting a bridge-builder widely regarded for his inclusive conservation leadership.
former IISD Director, Chair of TRAFFIC & IUCN Director Multilateral Policy
community voices in IUCN’s highest governance.”
About Sebastian
Conservation strategist, economist and policy architect with 30 years experience spanning government, business, and NGOs. Building bridges has been second nature to me since I was a boy growing up in Africa and Mexico. My career has been defined by unifying diverse voices to scale conservation impact.
Began career in IUCN leadership roles, doubling our Union’s core funding and establishing lasting institutions like the Conservation Finance Alliance. Served 13 formative years in IUCN Secretariat, including as Environmental Economist in Biodiversity Policy Division, Acting Head of Conservation Finance & Donor Relations, and Senior Trade, Climate and Biodiversity Policy Advisor.
At IUCN’s Regional Office for Europe advised governments/EU and later worked for the Spanish EU Presidency negotiating the 2020 Aichi Targets. Helped members develop innovative finance tools for conservation, and co-founded and led the Countdown 2010 Movement mobilizing over 2,000 organizations globally around measurable biodiversity commitments. Currently IUCN HQ-based. Active member of SSC and CEESP.
Sebastian is now Director Climate Finance for the Green Initiative, Vice President emeritus of Global Footprint Network, and past Director General of CIC. Recent advisory work includes leading consultation for Action Plan for UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration, setting standards for business, and as Global Crop Diversity Trust’s Head of Partnerships, establishing a $400M Endowment Fund.
Born and raised in Mexico, Cameroon, Madagascar, and Togo. Studied at Harvard Business School and in Canada, France, The Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. Lovingly restored a heritage farmhouse near Geneva, where I live with my French wife and son.
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