Written by Max Müller
My time at IUCN was marked by continuous learning. I had the privilege of contributing to the early stages of the “Sports for Nature” campaign and collaborating with the dedicated “Geoheritage” team. During my tenure at IUCN, my primary focus was on developing stakeholder engagement strategies for the “Sports For Nature” campaign.
My daily responsibilities included attending team meetings, engaging with partners, and interacting with IUCN members. This exposure significantly broadened my perspective on the various approaches to nature conservation, whether at the international, national, or local level. The extensive network of IUCN members allowed me to gain insights into different aspects of nature conservation efforts at various scales.
“What I appreciated the most was the inclusive and supportive atmosphere within the team, where I was considered a full-fledged member from the very beginning.”
This task was both engaging and research-intensive, requiring me to draw from best practices and my prior experiences in the world of sports while integrating these diverse forms of knowledge through creative thought processes. Working on a program in its early stages made it particularly challenging and stimulating.
During my two-month tenure at IUCN, I acquired a wide range of skills and knowledge. I not only gained a deeper understanding of nature conservation but also developed essential skills in teamwork, time management, communication improvement (whether during meetings or calls), and collaboration with IUCN partners. I expanded my understanding of the current state of nature conservation and the complexities of private partnerships and institutional processes.
I would like to express my gratitude to my colleagues, Emmanuel and Leigh-Ann, for their unwavering assistance and positive attitude throughout, regardless of how stressful impending deadlines may have been. Their enthusiasm for the program was relentless and truly infectious.
The internship was made possible by the collaborative partnership between IUCN and UNIL.