I hold a PhD degree in chemistry (specializing in the technology of polymers) from the Leningrad Institute of Technology (USSR) and a Master of Public Administration (specializing in management of non-profit organizations and international development) from Harvard University (USA).

I have more than 30 years of experience in environmental information management and communication, focusing on assessments and reporting. This includes integrated state-of-the environment reports and their adaptation for the general public, use of electronic and visual communication tools for environmental information management, in particular transboundary water resources. Climate change, environmental crime, building capacity of national and local environmental authorities and enhancement of public participation are also part of my work. I have good knowledge of the state of the environment as well as the administrative and communication culture in EECCA countries. I studied negotiations in Harvard University and later have taught the course module “Negotiation Skills and Techniques” in the Environment and Diplomacy Summer Course organized by the University of Geneva and UNEP.

I have been working with GRID-Arendal for more than 20 years, headed a number of big programs and two divisions, was a member of the management team and was elected as the staff representative twice. Currently I lead the Transboundary Governance and Environmental Crime programme. It focuses on transboundary environmental issues, in particular UNEP environmental conventions, like the Framework Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea (Tehran Convention) where GRID-Arendal is facilitating the work of the Interim Secretariat. In the Environmental crime the focus areas are illegal fisheries and illegal logging in partnership with INTERPOL, UNEP, and other international stakeholders.