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At Probos, Eli is involved in projects that focus on making the (tropical) wood chain more sustainable, forest expansion, climate-smart forests, and ecosystem services. He likes to look for integrated solutions with all parties involved, with the main goal of making a positive impact on the forest. As a nature fanatic and birdwatcher, Eli can regularly be found in forests and nature reserves from large to small, with his binoculars and camera at hand.

His favorite tree or forest? Moist forests, such as swamp forests in the dunes near Voorne and the alder forests near the St. Jansberg. Here, the mineral-rich groundwater and rich soils create a productive ecosystem where the diversity of plant and animal species can immediately be felt.

Eli has experience as a project manager of innovative projects and bringing together the 'triple helix', especially on themes related to circular economy and building chain cooperation. He also arranged several deliveries of energy systems to Ukraine. His work experience can be put to good use in realizing impactful projects at Probos, by bringing different perspectives together in projects. He has completed two MSc courses; Strategic Entrepreneurship (EUR) and Forest and Nature Conservation (WUR). During the latter, he acquired substantive knowledge about forests, including different forest types and forest ecosystems, forest biodiversity, species identification, and forest management.

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As a director, Mark likes to think creatively and in solutions. That, and the interaction with people is what keeps him going. In the meantime, he is our greatest idealist at Probos. With every project he checks whether it will make the world a little better, because otherwise you shouldn't do it, he believes. Always look at the impact of projects: does it contribute to good forest management, does it benefit biodiversity or the soil? It is therefore not surprising that he is much concerned with making the wood supply chain more sustainable as well as with the relationship between forest management and biodiversity.

His favorite tree or forest? "Chilean Patagonia. In an afternoon you can cycle from the temperate rainforest on the coast to above the tree line. Uphill you enter forests with alerce, the largest tree in South America, which grows very slowly and can live for thousands of years.”

Mark has international work experience in Chile, Mexico, Peru, Canada, Ukraine, Guatemala, Indonesia, Suriname, the Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Finland. He has been involved in the certification of sustainable forest management since the 1990s and has written many publications. He is co-author of several books on forest history, forest management and biodiversity, and forest expansion. Mark actively searches with partners for ways to give forests more value(s) and through this contribute to forest conservation and forest expansion.

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During her internship at Probos, Joyce conducted research into the cultural history of the Sint Jansberg. After quitting her job at Wageningen University & Research (WUR), she started at Probos in 2015. In her structured way of working, she deals with everything, both substantive and practical. She has a broad interest in everything related to sustainable forest management and is therefore a good source of information for her colleagues. She believes it is important to learn from each other and continue to take steps together in forest management, including for future generations of forests and people.

Her favorite tree or forest? "The forest on the Sint Jansberg near Groesbeek. Hilly, on an old estate. You will encounter deciduous forest, production-focussed coniferous forest, but also old ponds and other beautiful cultural-historical elements. It almost feels foreign."

Joyce has work experience in Finland, where she conducted research in peatland reforestation. Within Probos, Joyce is mainly involved in the field of 'Climate-smart forestry', such as grazing pressure monitoring research where the quantitative effect of large ungulates on forest regeneration is recorded, revitalisation and additional climate-smart tree species. She also conducts various studies and projects in the field of invasive exotic species (particularly Asian knotweeds) and she is co-initiator of the Invasive Aliens Knowledge Network. She also teaches various courses together with partners.

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During her internship at Probos, in collaboration with the Ark Foundation, Gera conducted research into spontaneous forest development. Her efforts and collaboration resulted in a great assessment of her internship and we asked her if she wanted to continue working with us. She definitely liked that! At Probos, she is committed to the fields of ‘Climate-smart forestry’ and ‘More forests and trees’. Additionally, she works on calculating carbon sequestration in trees and forests as well as carbon certificates. Whatever the subject, she tackles it and is fully committed to it.

Her favorite tree or forest? “The weeping willow. Contrary to what the name suggests, I don’t think the tree is sad, but rather majestic with its size and hanging branches. For me, it conveys a certain serenity.”

Gera has also been passionate about football from an early age. There is no giving up and there is always room for improvement. She views every situation as a possibility to learn from and do better next time. This mentality is not only useful on the football field, but she also carries it into her work at Probos.