Frans Schepers is Executive Director and one of the founders of Rewilding Europe. He graduated in forestry, land – and water management in 1985 after which he took various positions in nature conservation. From 2000-2014, he worked at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in The Netherlands, responsible for international programmes, with a focus on Southern Africa, Europe and Eurasia. As the Executive Director of Rewilding Europe since 2011, he is leading a team of now 30 people based in seven different European countries, overseeing rewilding at scale in Europe, including the rewilding of ten large landscapes. Under his leadership, Rewilding Europe has become a frontrunner and mature initiative, taking both a demonstrating and a catalysing role on rewilding as a new conservation narrative for Europe. Frans is a keen birdwatcher and has travelled to numerous countries around the world, including bird expeditions to the Mediterranean, Middle East and West Africa.