6-7 November 2008

Last week, ECNC’s annual Board meeting took place in the ECNC head office.

ECNC's current President, Sir Brian Unwin, was re-elected and accepted another term. Unfortunately, Mr Eddie Idle left the Board after 15 years’ service. Through his Board membership Eddie stimulated ECNC to communicate the important issues around biodiversity and its sustainable use. The Board will miss his enthusiastic contribution. During the meeting, the Board also accepted a new member; Croatia will from now on be represented in ECNC’s Board by the Director nature management, Ms Kornelija Pintaric.

The Board expressed strong appreciation of the progress so far in 2008 as regards the implementation of projects and development of new projects. The management team presented some highlights of project outcomes, and the Board was impressed with the quality and the diversity of the subjects.

The annual work plan and budget for 2009 were approved and the advice of ECNC’s Scientific Council was welcomed, and integrated into ECNC’s planning and operations.

To celebrate ECNC's 15th anniversary, on Thursday evening the Board and staff enjoyed dinner together at a local restaurant. On Friday morning, an interactive session took place in order to meet and greet each other. The programme was diverse, consisting of a facilitation part, a game, a play and even a singing ceremony. Board as well as staff members highly appreciated this combined meeting.