Gabriel Schwaderer graduated University with a Geography degree.  He has more than 25 years of experience in protected area management, international nature conservation, and sustainable regional development. He has specialized knowledge in the areas of the protection of rivers and wetlands, creating strategies for regional sustainable development and the conservation of large carnivores.

Gabriel Schwaderer has been active in EuroNatur since its foundation in the year 1987. At that time among other things he organised work camps for young people in the whole of Europe. After acquiring his diploma at University and spending a year in project assistance he took over the leadership of the EuroNatur projects for the protection of bear and lynx. He has been Executive Director of the Foundation since 1998.

Alongside his work as Executive Director, Gabriel Schwaderer is responsible for a wide range of projects. Above all through his years of involvement in projects Gabriel Schwaderer knows the Balkans like the back of his hand.