GSTC Program Manager

Email: a.zavadskaya@ucsl.eu
Location: Tuscany, Italy

Anna's dedication to education and empowerment has always been central to her career. Passionate about nurturing the next generation of changemakers and leaders, she spent over eight years as a leader within the IUCN WCPA Young Professionals Group and has actively contributed to international initiatives advancing the SDGs, including female leadership programs by the Girl Move Academy. In addition, Anna serves as a lecturer in conservation and sustainable tourism management for university programs and conducts training for rangers and national park guides on outdoor ethics and interpretation as a certified Leave No Trace trainer.

Believing that collaboration is the cornerstone of sustainability and conservation, Anna has led over 30 interdisciplinary international and domestic conservation, education, and capacity-building projects, effectively bridging scientific research with impactful communication while empowering local communities to safeguard nature. In 2019, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to conservation and community engagement, Anna was honored with the prestigious IUCN CEC Excellence Award.

With a prolific portfolio of over 130 publications, including 12 books and industry guidelines, Anna has made significant contributions to sustainable tourism practices. Her extensive international experience encompasses academic collaborations and research exchanges with renowned institutions such as Cambridge University, the U.S. National Parks Service, and Fish and Wildlife Services. Additionally, she has over a decade of experience coordinating UNESCO MAB site activities and has consulted on sustainable tourism and conservation projects across Eurasia and beyond.

At UCSL, Anna leads the GSTC Program, bringing her wealth of expertise to design and deliver certification processes that drive meaningful and measurable change worldwide. By cultivating strong partnerships with local and international stakeholders and seamlessly integrating region-specific expertise, Anna ensures that UCSL’s certification solutions remain globally impactful while deeply rooted in local realities. Anna’s interdisciplinary expertise bridges science, policy, and practice, enabling her to deliver forward-thinking solutions to complex sustainability challenges and making her an invaluable asset to UCSL. Under her leadership, UCSL’s certifications are not merely checklists of compliance but transformative tools that drive sustainability, inspire meaningful change in the tourism sector and beyond, and create a lasting legacy for businesses, communities, and the planet.

At UCSL, I transform my passion for Nature and People into meaningful action, making sustainable practices a reality for everyone who cares. Whether collaborating with companies committed to being changemakers and stewards of our planet, or guiding those taking their very first steps toward sustainability, I find purpose and inspiration in every path. Working alongside passionate professionals from around the globe, we unite our expertise and shared vision to protect our shared home and create meaningful change, fostering sustainability in every corner of the world.”

Anna Zavadskaya is a dedicated sustainability leader, conservation scientist, and advocate for ethical and sustainable tourism. With over 17 years of international experience and a PhD in Nature Management and Geography, Anna’s career reflects a profound commitment to creating meaningful environmental and social change.

Anna’s research has primarily centered on understanding and addressing the impacts of tourism on communities and the environment, conducting ecosystem service assessments, and advancing participatory conservation management. As a co-author of groundbreaking national and regional sustainable tourism strategies, legislation, and science-based frameworks for tourism and visitor management – with a particular focus on protected natural areas – Anna has played a pivotal role in the development of numerous ecotourism master plans, including those for iconic Eurasian protected areas and UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Kronotsky Reserve, South Kamchatka Sanctuary, and the Baikal Lake reserves. Through collaborations with governments, businesses, NGOs, research institutions, and protected area managers, Anna has developed innovative approaches to tourism management, partnership building, and governance, resulting in measurable sustainability impacts.

Communications Manager

Email: j.rozenkrantc@ucsl.eu
Location: Paris, France

Fluent in English, French, and Russian, Juliana brings a global perspective and a collaborative spirit, helping UCSL drive conversations and actions toward a more responsible future for tourism. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to craft compelling narratives make Juliana an integral part of UCSL’s mission to inspire sustainable growth and cultural preservation worldwide.

At UCSL, I see an incredible opportunity to bridge my passion for culture, sustainability, and meaningful communication. Storytelling has the power to drive change, and I am committed to crafting narratives that share knowledge and inspire action. For me, this work is about creating a future where our cultural and natural resources thrive for generations to come.”

Juliana Rozenkrantc brings to UCSL over ten years of experience in art management, cultural projects, and communications. Juliana’s career has been defined by her ability to merge creative vision with strategic execution. She has successfully managed international exhibitions, cultural events, and large-scale artistic productions, demonstrating expertise in project coordination and cross-cultural communication.

Her work with renowned institutions, including the Hermitage Museum and the DAU Project at Théâtre du Châtelet, highlights her talent for bringing complex ideas to life through meticulous planning and impactful storytelling. She holds a MBA degree in Art Market Management from EAC Paris and a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from Bard College, New York, complemented by studies in Visual Arts and Architecture at Saint Petersburg State University.

At UCSL, Juliana leverages her creative and organizational skills to advance sustainability initiatives in tourism. Her transition from the arts to sustainability reflects her passion for preserving culture and fostering meaningful connections – values that lie at the heart of sustainable development.

Qualification Manager, GSTC and MSC Auditor

Email: n.stashkevich@ucsl.eu
Location: Eurasia

At UCSL, Nikolai brings his experience to the forefront, conducting audits, reviewing reports, and preparing educational programs to empower businesses and professionals. With a hands-on approach and a collaborative mindset, he works tirelessly to help clients align their operations with internationally recognized standards. His work exemplifies UCSL’s mission to create a future where businesses thrive in harmony with the environment, leaving a positive legacy for generations to come.

Nikolai’s passion for sustainability extends beyond technical expertise. His dedication to capacity building and education inspires both clients and colleagues, fostering a new generation of skilled professionals who are ready to tackle today’s environmental and social challenges. His ability to navigate the complexities of certification processes, coupled with his deep respect for nature, makes him an invaluable part of UCSL.

Every audit, every training, and every report is an opportunity to drive meaningful change. At UCSL, I find purpose in helping businesses embrace sustainability as a foundation for their success and our shared future.”

Nikolai Stashkevich is a dedicated expert in sustainability certification, forest ecology, and environmental management, with a PhD in Biology and over a decade of experience advancing sustainable practices across multiple sectors. His career reflects a profound commitment to fostering responsible business practices and promoting conservation through global certification schemes.

Nikolai began his journey in forest science, where he gained extensive experience through university education, research expeditions, and publishing scientific articles. His work culminated in a dissertation focusing on forest ecosystems, laying the groundwork for his deep understanding of sustainable resource management. Nikolai's expertise expanded through his involvement in conservation projects for WWF in the Altai-Sayan Ecoregion, where he contributed to safeguarding one of the world’s most biologically diverse areas.

Nikolai played a pivotal role in the development and promotion of forest certification schemes, including FSC, PEFC, and SBP, helping businesses align with global sustainability standards. His passion for certification led him to broaden his scope, actively contributing to marine certifications (MSC, ASC, BSP) and tourism certifications (GSTC). His multidisciplinary expertise ensures that he can bridge diverse industries, providing tailored solutions to complex sustainability challenges.

GSTC Program Junior Specialist

Email: sofya.k@ucsl.eu
Location: Saint Petersburg, Russia

At UCSL, Sofya brings a strong environmental lens to GSTC Program implementation, applying her certification expertise to the tourism sector. Her meticulous attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills ensure the seamless administration of certification processes, fostering both efficiency and accuracy. Working closely with the Program Manager, Sofya plays a vital role in coordinating with clients and auditors, managing communications, and streamlining operational workflows. Her contributions not only bring structure and clarity to complex certification frameworks but also create a smooth and reliable experience for clients, enabling the program to deliver unparalleled quality and professionalism.

Sofya’s background, passion for environmental sustainability, and commitment to meaningful change make her a vital contributor to UCSL’s work. By leveraging her experience in certification and her commitment to environmental stewardship at UCSL, Sofya is dedicated to inspiring positive change in the tourism industry.

Travelling around the globe is inspiring, but it comes with a responsibility to manage our impact. I believe that sustainability is not just an option — it’s a necessity for the future of tourism. At UCSL, I am proud to work alongside a team dedicated to helping businesses achieve best practices and create meaningful change for the environment and communities they touch.”

Sofya Kazanskaya is an emerging expert in sustainability with a unique background in forest certification, ecology, and environmental management. Before joining UCSL, she played a pivotal role in managing forest certification processes for both FSC standards and local certification programs, helping businesses demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development and ESG principles. Her expertise includes working closely with chain of custody certificate holders, ensuring accountability and sustainability throughout supply chains.

Sofya’s academic foundation is rooted in her Bachelor’s degree in Forestry (Ecology and Environmental Management), complemented by hands-on experience in forest science projects and fieldwork. These early experiences deepened her understanding of environmental systems and cultivated her passion for advancing sustainable practices. Her transition from forestry to sustainable tourism reflects her belief in the importance of managing human impact on the environment, whether it’s through responsible business operations or thoughtful personal choices while traveling.

Representative and GSTC Auditor in the Balkan Region

Email: balkans@ucsl.eu
Phone: +355 69 2077507
Location: Myslym Shyri 55/1, Tirana, Albania

Madlina’s commitment to sustainable tourism goes beyond professional achievements – it reflects her passion for preserving the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Balkans. Her ability to unite stakeholders and develop actionable solutions makes her an invaluable part of UCSL’s mission to drive meaningful and lasting change in global tourism.

With Madlina’s leadership, UCSL Balkans is set to drive meaningful progress, empowering the region’s tourism sector to align with the highest global standards and contribute to its more sustainable future.

Strategic partnerships and adherence to certifications are the foundation of innovation, climate action, and resilience in tourism. Joining UCSL allows me to support tourism businesses across the Western Balkans in adopting GSTC certification and making sustainability a cornerstone of their success. This work is about fostering meaningful, lasting change – preserving heritage, protecting the environment, and empowering communities.”

Based in Tirana, Albania, Madlina Puka brings over 20 years of experience in sustainable tourism policy, planning, and regional cooperation to her role as UCSL’s Representative and Lead Auditor for the Balkans. Holding a PhD in Sustainable Tourism and a background in Tourism Management, Madlina is also a researcher at the University of Tirana. Her work seamlessly integrates academic expertise with practical application, helping to advance sustainability across the dynamic Balkan region.

Fluent in Albanian, English and Italian, Madlina has a unique ability to connect with diverse stakeholders and foster collaboration. She has worked with leading global organizations such as UNDP, the World Bank, the EU, and the Regional Cooperation Council to drive impactful initiatives across Albania and the Western Balkans. Her efforts have focused on aligning GSTC standards with local realities, empowering governments, businesses, and destinations to adopt sustainable practices.

A GSTC member since 2019 and a respected speaker at international conferences, including the GSTC Global Conference 2023 in Antalya, Madlina is recognized as a leading regional expert in sustainable tourism. Her expertise spans sustainability certifications, value-chain assessment, stakeholder engagement, destination marketing, and business planning for DMOs.

GSTC Auditor in Africa and the Middle East

Email: agamal@safe-audits.com
Phone: +20 100 752 5294
Location: Hurghada, Egypt

Ahmed’s academic background is as impressive as his professional track record. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science and has pursued advanced education with postgraduate diplomas in Large Animals and Poultry, Agriculture Science in Microbiology, and is currently completing an MBA from the University of South Wales.

As a key member of the UCSL team, Ahmed combines his vast expertise and a hands-on approach to make a tangible impact in the hospitality industry across Africa and the Middle East. Fluent in Arabic, Ahmed’s language skills further enhance his ability to work closely with teams and businesses across the region.

Ahmed’s commitment to quality and sustainability is not just a professional goal – it’s his driving force. At UCSL, he ensures that its partners uphold the highest standards of sustainability and environmental responsibility. His work exemplifies UCSL’s dedication to advancing global sustainability standards and supporting businesses in achieving meaningful, lasting change.

Working with UCSL allows me to combine my expertise in sustainability with an organization that shares my commitment to driving meaningful change and sets the highest standards in the industry. Through auditing hotels against GSTC Criteria, I have the opportunity to help businesses in the hospitality sector embrace global best practices and contribute to a more responsible and sustainable future.”

Ahmed is a highly experienced GSTC auditor and hospitality professional with over 15 years of expertise in sustainability, safety, and compliance within the hospitality sector. As UCSL’s Auditor for Africa and the Middle East, Ahmed plays a pivotal role in driving excellence and ensuring that businesses meet the highest standards of quality and environmental responsibility.

His work is deeply rooted in an exceptional understanding of international sustainability frameworks, including GSTC, HACCP, ISO 9001, ISO 22000, ISO 14000, ISO 45000 and Travelife. Ahmed’s knowledge of global standards and local regulations allow him to provide unparalleled guidance and ensure compliance for hotels and resorts.

Over the course of his career, Ahmed has successfully audited and led projects at more than 500 hotels across diverse regions such as Egypt, North Africa, and the Middle East. His expertise lies in overseeing major sustainability projects, conducting in-depth audits, and delivering tailored consulting services that empower hospitality businesses to thrive responsibly.

Representative and GSTC Auditor in Thailand

Email: thailand@ucsl.eu
Location: Phuket, Thailand

Claudine’s passion for sustainability and her ability to navigate diverse cultural and organizational settings make her invaluable to the UCSL team. Her leadership inspires those around her, while her expertise helps businesses not only reduce their impacts but also maximize the benefits of responsible tourism.

At UCSL, Claudine brings a unique combination of practical experience, vision, and a deep commitment to progress, helping us advance our mission of shaping a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Her work is a testament to the transformative power of sustainability and collaboration, and we’re proud to have her as a driving force in our team.

I believe in the power of sustainable tourism to create real change. I’m excited to join UCSL in Thailand, working with businesses committed to driving meaningful change for people and the planet.”

Claudine Nagiah brings over 20 years of experience in international tourism development, environmental and natural resource management, climate change, and social development to UCSL’s Southeast Asia Team, where she serves as Thailand Representative and GSTC Auditor. With more than a decade dedicated to auditing hotels and tour operators, Claudine combines her technical expertise with practical, hands-on knowledge of sustainable tourism, particularly in community-based and eco-tourism initiatives.

Originally from the UK, she is now based in Phuket, Thailand. Claudine’s career has taken her across Europe, Africa, South America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, where she has collaborated with international development agencies, local governments, NGOs, social enterprises, and private sector organizations. Her work has focused on implementing, verifying, and maintaining high standards in environmental and social sustainability, using these frameworks to improve efficiency and drive long-term development in the hospitality sector.

GSTC Program Representative in Indonesia

Email: indonesia@ucsl.eu
Phone: +628 133 895 3569
Location: Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

Lelie’s work is centered on creating tangible outcomes for destinations and accommodations, from reducing waste and conserving resources to fostering community engagement and empowerment. Her vision is rooted in a deep respect for Indonesia’s natural and cultural assets, ensuring that tourism uplifts local communities while protecting the environment for future generations.

Throughout her career, Lelie has exemplified leadership by implementing programs that reduce environmental impact, conserve resources, and involve local communities in decision-making processes. Her efforts reflect a belief in tourism as a tool for positive, lasting change – a way to leave behind a legacy of sustainability that resonates with her own story of heritage and hope.

Lelie’s dedication, expertise, and vision make her an invaluable part of UCSL’s mission in Southeast Asia. With her guidance, UCSL Indonesia is poised to drive impactful transformation in tourism practices, ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for the region.

I’ve always felt a responsibility to honor where I come from. My parents’ work wasn’t just about weaving; it was about preserving a way of life that respected nature and uplifted people. Now, I see that same responsibility in tourism. GSTC Certification is an opportunity to bolster the Indonesian tourism sector, protect our heritage, empower communities, and create a future where nature and people thrive together. Working with UCSL now allows me to bring my vision full circle and turn it into actionable change.”

Lelie Liana is a passionate advocate for sustainability, combining academic expertise with a heartfelt commitment to preserving Indonesia’s rich natural and cultural heritage. With a Master’s degree in Sustainable Tourism Development from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Lelie specializes in sustainable tourism certification and assessment, aligning global GSTC standards with Indonesia’s regulatory frameworks. Her contributions to the development and implementation of Indonesia’s Sustainable Tourism Destination Standards (Ministerial Regulation No. 14 of 2016) have been instrumental in driving transformative change across the country’s tourism sector.

In a quiet village in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, a young girl grew up surrounded by the beauty of nature and the rhythm of tradition. Her parents wove rattan – an art passed down through generations, imbued with cultural meaning and a deep respect for the environment. At the time, she didn’t fully grasp the significance of their work. To her, it was simply life: the vibrant forests, the weaving patterns, and the stories they carried.

That girl was Lelie Liana, whose journey from her childhood home to the forefront of sustainability is one of transformation, where the threads of her past have woven into a career dedicated to preserving both cultural heritage and the natural world. Starting as an eco-tourism guide, Lelie discovered the power of tourism to drive meaningful change. She saw firsthand how travelers, when guided by sustainable practices, could not only experience the beauty of Indonesia but also contribute to protecting it. This realization became the foundation of her work.

GSTC Lead Auditor in the Americas and the Carribean

Email: david.ortegon@gmail.com
Location: Cancún, Mexico

David holds an International Master’s degree in Local and Rural Development from the Polytechnic University of Madrid in Spain, achieved through the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, as well as a Master’s in Environmental Leadership and Management from the University for International Cooperation in San José, Costa Rica. Additionally, David holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, specializing in Functional Ecology, from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, one of Colombia’s most renowned universities.

With a career spanning Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean David’s expertise includes sustainable tourism certification, environmental impact assessments, and climate action strategies. His academic knowledge and practical, detail-oriented approach make him a trusted auditor, helping businesses foster meaningful change within their operations.

Fluent in Spanish, French, and English, David fosters effective communication and collaboration across diverse cultural and organizational settings. His precise and detail-oriented approach makes him a trusted auditor for businesses looking to achieve certification and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

David’s extensive background, coupled with his dedication to advancing sustainable tourism, makes him an integral part of UCSL’s mission. His leadership ensures that UCSL continues to empower businesses across the Americas and the Carribean regions to thrive while protecting the environment and contributing to the well-being of their communities.

For the past 15 years, I have experienced sustainable tourism from multiple angles, understanding the perspectives of industry stakeholders and the challenges they face every day. I strongly believe that tourism holds the potential to drive sustainable development, but achieving this requires collective effort and transformation. At UCSL, I found an organization that shares this vision and provides the tools to make it a reality. This work allows me to take an active role in guiding the industry toward a future where tourism delivers real, positive impacts for people and the planet.”

As UCSL’s Lead Auditor in the Americas and the Caribbean, David plays a critical role in empowering hotels and tour operators across the region to align with GSTC standards and elevate their sustainability practices. Based in Mexico, David is a seasoned sustainability professional with over 15 years of auditing experience and expertise in sustainability, quality management, environmental management, health and safety, sustainable agriculture, and forestry.

David has extensive experience in the development and direction of effective sustainable management systems and ESG project portfolios in the agri-food and tourism industries. He has led multidisciplinary teams focused on advancing competitive, innovative, resilient, profitable, and sustainable industries in a decarbonized economy. With in-depth knowledge of international sustainability standards, certification and accreditation schemes, and ESG reporting frameworks, David ensures that businesses not only meet rigorous sustainability standards but also foster ongoing meaningful change within their operations.