Press release

Costa Rican Franz Tattenbach appointed president and CEO of IISD

February 1, 2010
Succeeds David Runnalls, a prominent and longstanding exponent of sustainable development

WINNIPEG—February 2, 2010—Franz Tattenbach is to become the fourth president and CEO of the International Institute for Sustainable Development, a Canadian-based international public policy research institute.

Tattenbach replaces David Runnalls who will retire in June 2010 after 10 years of successful tenure.

Tattenbach–an economist and specialist in sustainable development, conservation and peace science–is well known within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) where, as climate change ambassador and lead negotiator for Costa Rica, he became one of the architects and creators of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

The G77 and China nominated Tattenbach to the first CDM Executive Board, where he represented the non-Annex I countries and also served as vice chair.

Tattenbach emerged as the unanimous choice of the IISD board following a rigorous six-month international search.

 
"The appointment of Franz Tattenbach reflects IISD's dedication over the past 20 years to shaping, promoting and implementing sustainable development policies that are crucial to a world currently undergoing economic, environmental, social, and geopolitical disruption," said IISD board chair Daniel Gagnier. "Our choice also underscores an ongoing commitment by IISD to focus and act across the developing world, where tensions and needs are most pressing."
 
Tattenbach is a Costa Rican national and CEO of Fundación para el Desarrollo de la Cordillera Volcanica Central (FUNDECOR), a nongovernment organization internationally recognized for its work in reversing tropical deforestation and for promoting markets for environmental services. In 2000, under his direction, FUNDECOR was awarded the prestigious King Baudouin International Development Prize for its pioneering work in developing payments for environmental services, for which Costa Rica is world renowned.
 
Tattenbach is expected to formally assume the leadership of IISD in May and will be based at IISD's head office in Winnipeg.

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For more information, please contact IISD Media Officer, Nona Pelletier: Phone: +1-(204)-958-7740, Cell: +1-(204)-962-1303.

About IISD

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is a globally recognized think tank with 3 decades of experience working to solve the world’s most pressing sustainable development challenges. We combine deep expertise in a wide range of issues with a collaborative approach to research, policy advice, and hands-on support to ensure these solutions are brought to life. Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, we are a diverse team of over 300 professionals working from offices in Canada, Switzerland, and other locations around the world.