About us

The Coordinating Office is hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP DTIE/SCP/Tourism and Environment programme) in Paris, France.

The Coordinating Office’s role is to facilitate engagement between members of the Partnership and acts as the first point of contact for tourism organizations interested in its work. The Secretariat carries out the administration and day-to-day operation of the Global Partnership. It will relate both to the Steering Committee and Advisory Committee, as well as external stakeholders.
 

The Coordinating Office’s team is, currently:
 

Charles Arden-Clarke, Head of the Goods and Services Unit, SCP, DTIE

Charles Arden-Clarke began his professional career in 1984 with the Political Ecology Research Group in the UK. In 1990 he joined WWF International in Switzerland, focusing on trade and environment, investment and environment, ISO standards, eco-labelling and agriculture, and ultimately leading WWF’s international programme on Trade and Investment. In January 2000 he joined UNEP's Economics and Trade Branch in Geneva, with responsibilities for trade and environment matters. In 2004 he moved to UNEP’s Division on Technology, Industry and Economics (DTIE) in Paris, to work on trade, economics, poverty alleviation, and global public goods and agriculture. Since January 2007 he has been Head of the Goods and Services Unit in the Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) Branch. He has BA (Hons.) in Zoology from Oxford University, UK, and an MSc in Zoology from Pretoria University, South Africa.

Helena Rey, Programme Officer

Helena Rey has been working in UNEP's Division of Technology Industry and Economics since 2005. She is responsible for the development and implementation of sustainable tourism related projects within UNEP, notably on climate change and resources efficiency. She is also the financial and administrative manager of the Global Partnership for Sustainable tourism.  Ms Rey has more than 12 years experience working as a project manager in South America, Africa, Europe, and Central America. She holds a Master of Science in Environmental Management at University of Sunderland, England, and Engineering degree in Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Parana, Brazil.

 Deirdre Shurland, Coordinator

Ms. Deirdre Shurland has overall responsibility for the strategic direction of the Partnership and is leading the establishment of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism. Deirdre is a senior professional with 20 years experience in tourism sustainability and environmental management of industry in the Caribbean.  She has developed and implemented business support tools, management solutions, training programs, environmental management systems and disaster preparedness training for the Caribbean resort sector construction, engineering, mining industries and businesses, and promoted sustainability through networking, partnerships and alliances. She also has experience in management consulting, NGO management and operations and has served at senior management and board levels.

Lu Linfeng, Intern

Lu Linfeng joined the UNEP's Division of Technology Industry and Economics in 2013 to support the administration and operation of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism. Lu linfeng has studied Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management in several countries, including China, South Korea, Hungary, Greece and Sweden. She has successfully completed the training on ‘Biodiversity Based Tourism Product Development’ in Spain and obtained practical professional experience during her internship with United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). In addition, Lu Linfeng worked as a field reporter for many international conferences and trade shows. She also assisted in organizing various international events, exhibitions and conferences.