International Maritime and Fisheries leader to oversee global team focused on transforming how the world manages its oceans.
On December 11, 2014, the American Environmental NGO Nature Conservancy announced that Maria Damanaki, former European Union Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, and an experienced leader in public service, will join the organization as Global Managing Director for Oceans.
Ms Damanaki will lead a global team focused on transforming how the world manages its oceans, including sustainable fisheries management, large-scale protection and restoration of coral reefs and other ecosystems, coastal resilience, and a first-of-its-kind mapping and quantification of the full value of the world’s oceans to people.
“Maria will bring great leadership to our Global Marine team, The Nature Conservancy, and the conservation field overall," said Mark Tercek, President and Chief Executive Officer at The Nature Conservancy. "Our work will greatly benefit from Maria's extensive experience in marine affairs, fisheries and international policy, as well as her strong diplomatic skills and global network."
With over 30 years of public service in Europe, Damanaki most recently served the past four years as European Union Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. Under her leadership, the Commission was able to bring fish populations back to healthier levels—from as few as five sustainable stocks in 2010 to up to 27 today. In just the next five years, the continuation of her fisheries policy efforts could lead to 15 million more tons of fish in the sea, 30 percent more jobs and the equivalent of over US $2 billion in additional revenue.
She also introduced and implemented the Blue Growth agenda for Seas and Oceans in Europe, which aimed to create 1.6 million new jobs and the equivalent of US $750 billion in revenue by 2020 in sectors such as coastal tourism, ocean energy, and marine biotechnology. In addition, she established legislation to create a common framework for Marine Spatial Planning to map and better manage maritime activities across EU countries.
''Joining TNC is a challenge and opportunity for me. Oceans and seas have always been the background of my life, from my birth on a Mediterranean island to my mandate as a European commissioner,” said Damanaki. “We can and have to do more for the conservation of what formulates 71 percent of the planet’s surface and the deepest memory of earth and human existence. I am looking forward to contributing to the results that a science based approach can deliver.''
"Bringing in a leader with Maria's vast international experience and credentials underscores TNC’s commitment to accelerating change for global conservation,” said Jane Lubchenco, University Distinguished Professor, Oregon State University and former Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (2009-2013). “In my former role as Administrator of NOAA, I saw first-hand how effective Maria was as a champion within the European Union for a healthy ocean that harbors wildlife, supports livelihoods and provides food to millions. Her appointment will advance conservation in general, but especially conservation along coastlines and in the water. I’m delighted she is joining the talented TNC leadership team.”
Damanaki previously served as a member of Greek Parliament for more than 25 years, and was the youngest-ever Member of Parliament when she was first elected in 1977. She became the first woman to lead a political party in Greece in 1990, preceded by being the first woman elected as Vice President of Parliament in 1986.
Born on the Greek island of Crete, Damanaki graduated with honors from the National Technical University of Athens with a Master of Science in chemical engineering. There, she played a leading role in the underground student opposition of the Greek military junta. She has authored four books on European issues, human rights, education and women’s rights.
The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide.
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