Introduction

He studied at Hungarian and American universities, including Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), Gödöllő University of Agricultural Sciences (GATE), and Cornell University. He obtained a Candidate of Sciences degree with his dissertation on environmental social activism. He has worked as a teacher, trainer, scientific researcher, civil servant, and chief environmental expert at an international bank, and served for 22 years as the Director General of the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden. During this time, the zoo’s area expanded, the value of its collection increased, its facilities developed, its educational and conservation programs were broadened, and its international reputation strengthened.

Between 2003 and 2007, he served as Minister of Environment and Water. Under his leadership, an integrated flood protection program was launched, Natura 2000 areas were established across 21% of the country, and the eco-school network was organized. Between 2006 and 2008, as a ministerial commissioner, he oversaw the planning of City Park (Városliget), and at his initiative, ten thousand new trees were planted in Budapest. He currently works at the Balaton Limnological Research Institute.

He has chaired both national and international organizations. His recognitions include the EAZA Lifetime Achievement Award, the Hungarian Order of Merit, honorary citizenships of two districts, Humphrey/Fulbright Alumnus status, Ashoka Fellowship, honorary professorships at two Hungarian universities, and honorary membership in the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).

Main research areas:

• Environmental science
• Sustainability issues related to biodiversity
• Keeping wild animals under human care
• Zoo management

Progress:

Over the past two years, he has developed the curricula, lectures, and presentations (in both Hungarian and English) for two courses: “Wild Animals in Human Care” and “Management of Institutions Keeping Wild Animals.” These courses were taught in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 academic years.

He also contributed to the development of the training and outcome requirements for the specialized postgraduate program “Wild Animal Keeping and Zoo Management,” prepared its curriculum, invited lecturers together with the head of department, and helped prepare accreditation documents. The program has been accredited and is planned to be launched in the 2022/23 academic year.