Wetlands International welcomes Coenraad Krijger as new CEO
Wetlands International is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Coenraad Krijger as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 1, 2025. Coenraad brings a wealth of experience in ecology, conservation, and international collaboration to the organization.
Since 2016, Coenraad served as the Director of IUCN NL, the Dutch branch of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In this role, he was responsible for guiding the organization’s direction and activities within the Netherlands and Europe and in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Before joining IUCN NL, Coenraad dedicated 20 years to scientific research and science and innovation policy, including 15 years at the Dutch Research Council (NWO). His academic background is rooted in ecology, with an MSc from Wageningen University and a PhD from Leiden University. Throughout his career Coenraad has initiated and lead international programs and networks and built collaborations across countries and sectors, notably for biodiversity and sustainable development.
Next to his primary role in international nature conservation, Coenraad is a member of the Supervisory Board at PWN, a Dutch organization specializing in water supply and nature management.
Han de Groot, who has served as CEO since March 2023 will assist in Coenraad’s onboarding process during the months of March and April.
Wetlands International looks forward to Coenraad’s leadership in advancing wetland conservation and restoration worldwide.
“I am honoured to join Wetlands International at this critical time for nature and people. Wetlands play a vital role in sustaining biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and supporting societies and economies around the world. I look forward to working with our global teams, partners, and stakeholders to scale up conservation and restoration efforts and drive impactful solutions for these invaluable ecosystems,” Coenraad Krijger.
