Board Members
Fülöp Attila
Board Chair
I am a biologist and ornithologist, currently working as a scientific researcher at Babeș-Bolyai University (Cluj-Napoca, Romania) and the University of Debrecen (Hungary). I completed my BSc in Ecology and MSc in Biology at Babeș-Bolyai University and earned my PhD at the University of Debrecen.
I have been a member of the Milvus Group since 2003. I first joined as an enthusiastic volunteer passionate about birds. Over the years, I have also worked as an employee, and I now serve as a member of the Board. Although my primary work is in academia, I remain actively involved in the practical side of ornithology and nature conservation, as a volunteer, a professional, and a board member.
Milvus Group’s mission is essential to society. In the 21st century, humans increasingly view nature as an inexhaustible resource to be exploited and are becoming more and more disconnected from it. We have forgotten that we are part of nature and that the proper functioning of ecosystems is vital for our survival. Sadly, through our actions, we often stray from this principle. This is why, beyond my connection with Milvus Group, I believe that the work of conservation organizations—including this one—is crucial for restoring the bond between people and nature and for protecting biodiversity. As a member of the Milvus Group, I support this mission to the best of my ability.
Erika Vaida-Béla
I have always wanted to work for nature. My background as a forestry engineer, along with 12 years of experience in the forestry sector, has helped me approach nature conservation from a practical perspective. My dream of actively working in conservation began to materialize in the year 2000, when I became the first national park director in Romania, with the opportunity to establish and coordinate the first management team of Retezat National Park.
Between 2003 and 2011, I was part of the WWF Danube-Carpathian Programme team, where I was involved in projects related to forest conservation and the management of protected areas across the Carpathian countries. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with international organizations such as the Europarc Federation and WCPA Europe (the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas). Currently, I am part of the Propark team, working on the development of the Milvus Group Strategy for the 2021–2023 period.
I chose to join the Milvus Group Board of Directors because I care deeply about the future of this organization. Milvus Group is one of the most committed and impactful conservation organizations in Romania, with significant contributions to biodiversity protection. The difficult period that most NGOs are currently facing has significantly affected the field of conservation, but Milvus Group must remain active, with professional and passionate staff and members who can continue contributing to nature preservation in our country. I hope that my experience in NGO management will help the Milvus Group adapt to the challenges it has identified in its organizational strategy.
Dénes Anna
I am a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Integrative Biology at Babeș-Bolyai University and a researcher at the Hungarian Ecological and Botanical Institute. My research focuses on aquatic insects, particularly the taxonomy and ecology of mayflies.
I joined the Milvus Group nearly ten years ago as a volunteer and have been actively involved in the organization’s work ever since—whether in field surveys, office tasks, environmental education, or camp organization. I have gained a wealth of experience from the professionals and members of the Milvus Group, which has played a key role in my professional development.
I have learned how important it is to connect research, civic engagement, and environmental education. Therefore, as a member of the Board of Directors, I would like to support the organization’s growth and actively contribute to its conservation and educational projects. I firmly believe that a sustainable future can only be achieved through knowledge, empathy, and teamwork—values that also define the work of the Milvus Group. Being part of this committed team not only motivates me professionally but also gives me the satisfaction of contributing tangibly to the protection of nature.
Szabó Anna
I am an ecologist with over 25 years of experience working in collaboration with various nature conservation organizations and institutions across Romania. My work focuses primarily on assessing the conservation status of habitats and plant species, as well as developing restoration proposals. In addition, I occasionally engage in research and educational activities.
Through my professional experience, I have come to understand that non-governmental organizations with strong expertise play a vital role in shaping, implementing, and securing support for conservation measures in our field. This is a complex and often challenging process, but one that also requires constant growth and adaptation. In many cases, the flexibility of a well-functioning civil society organization is essential for effectively addressing today’s conservation challenges.
My connection with the Milvus Group goes back to my university years. Thanks to them, I was able to broaden my perspective beyond my primary interest in botany and gain insight into other groups of species. Later, I also benefited from their family- and child-oriented programs. I consider the recent organizational changes they have initiated to be both bold and forward-thinking, which is the main reason I decided to join the leadership team. I hope to bring the experience I have gained in other working groups to support the Milvus Group and contribute to its continued success.
Osváth Gergely
I am a biologist and curator at the Zoological Museum of Babeș–Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, and a member of the Evolutionary Ecology Research Group. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in biology and my master’s degree in ecology at Babeș–Bolyai University, and completed my PhD at the University of Debrecen.
I contribute to achieving the goals of the Milvus Group Association through my research experience and the knowledge I have gained in managing museum collections. I strongly believe that close collaboration between scientific research and nature conservation is essential for protecting birdlife and preserving biodiversity.
The work of the Milvus Group is important to me because it provides an opportunity to protect birds and their habitats while involving the community in conservation efforts. I consider youth education and fostering a love for nature to be essential, as they are the future guardians of the environment. In my youth, I volunteered at bird ringing camps organized by the Milvus Group (in Glodeni and on Chituc Grind), as well as other activities dedicated to bird research and protection, such as the bird migration research camp in Dobrogea. These experiences were formative for my personal and professional development.
