Paul White RN FRGS (Director + Founder) - Paul is an RN by profession and was first introduced to the eastern Carpathians in 1993 whilst working in Transylvania as an aid worker. During days off Paul would spend most of his time in the forests and mountains, and soon realised what a 'jewel' this unique wilderness environment was. In 2008 Paul set up home in Transylvania, and wanted to extend his interest in wildlife and environment into something more proactive, and so the Transylvanian Wildlife Project was born. Conservation work is his passion and he is determined to play his part in protecting one of the last remaining refuges in Europe for key species such as wolf, lynx and bear.
Zsolt Biró BSc MSc (Associate Member) - Environmental Protection Advisor - After graduating from high school, Zsolt went to Hungary to study biology and environmental protection and awarded a BSc degree in these subjects. He then went to the Gábor Dénes College to study software engineering, and then spent another four years there specialising in programming. Zsolt was eventually promoted to assistant lecturer at the Berzsenyi Dániel College, teaching students how to use the Internet as part of their research. After two years in this post Zsolt then decided to become a self-employed freelance translator. His high quality work was soon recognised and now one of his main clients is the Microsoft corporation.
Barna Bereczki (Member) - High Alpine Support - 'Barni' specialises in logistical support for project members photographing wildlife in the higher reaches of the Carpathian mountains. He has climbed most of the highest peaks within Europe and has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share.
Laszlo Gal (Member) - 'Laci' is the Transylvanian Wildlife Project's resident tracker, who has an in depth knowledge of the eastern Carpathian forests and mountains. Being self employed Laszlo plans his life around his first love, nature. He ventures into the forest alone for several days at a time, living from the land, tracking and photographing bears and wolves amongst other wildlife.
Gemma Armitage (Associate Member) is a passionate wildlife advocate and is the TWP's
data custodian. An important position as Gemma is responsible for collating all TWP wildlife sightings onto our database, including species, distinguishing markings, general health and appearance, co-ordinates, and all associated photographs.
Botond Balint (Member) - Project Secretary (Romania) 'Boti' studied Mathematics in Cluj Napoca, and now works for an international web design and programming company. In his spare time Boti is an outdoor fanatic and devotes a lot of his time organising activities such as hiking, snow boarding, and mountain biking for local people. He is acutely aware of how important it is to maintain the unique Carpathian wilderness environment for future generations to come.
Peter Thacker BA (Hons) PGCE FRGS (Associate Member) - Education Advisor - Peter is deputy headmaster of the prestigious Daneshill Preparatory School and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. As an experienced teacher Peter is well placed to oversee the TWP's education package. Prior to starting his career in education Peter was a cavalry officer with the Royal Dragoon Guards, and is a veteran of the Gulf war in Iraq.
