Core areas: Fundraising and Marketing
„Through study and travel, I feel very close to the continent and people of Africa. I am not just an emotional supporter of Biovision, since as a biologist I wholly support the goals of the foundation."
"The conservational and sustainable treatment of people and the environment is the key to a secure future for all. The projects of Biovision, with their holisitic approach and focus on ‚help for self-help’ can meet the challenge. The projects are also based on scientifically proven results from research carried out on-site by local institutions, and which can be applied even in the most remote areas.“
Reto Urech has been interested in Africa since childhood: first he discovered African animals through toys, later came the picture and reference books that ignited his curiosity about life and survival in the wilderness. As an adult, his intention resolved to one day visit Africa and no longer study the ‚dark continent’ from afar. He spent six months in Namibia while also exploring other countries. To properly understand Africa and to get closer to the ‚African Spirit’, one needs enough time, reflects Reto Urech. He took this time, and the continent and its people grew close to his heart so that Africa now feels like his home away from home.
After completing his school leaving certificate, Reto Urech first worked in the tourism industry: the perfect sphere of work for a person such as he, who has a passion for travel – and who has journeyed extensively not only in Africa, but also Australia and North America. Alongside travel and Africa, biology has always interested Reto. For this reason he left the tourism industry to study biology at the University of Bern, where he took a Master’s in ecology. Following completion of his degree he was again employed in the tourism industry: first in Namibia, where as manager he supervised guests in remote lodges run according to sustainable criteria. After this he worked for a year in Sydney/Australia with an inbound tour operator, and after his return to Switzerland he was employed in the marketing department of a large Swiss tour operator.
Now at Biovision, Reto Urech takes care of the coordination of marketing activities and fundraising, the latter in collaboration with Chantal Sierro. He is very pleased to be able to creatively combine his passion for Africa, his scientific expertise from his study of biology and his many years of experience in marketing. Moreover, through his work, Reto wishes to contribute to the foundation furthering its goals, which he thoroughly believes in, not least because of his study of biology. He spent his term of civilian service getting to know and appreciate the Biovision Foundation.
When Reto Urech isn’t following his passion and travelling the globe, he enjoys nature here at home. Whether days hiking in the Alps or a short stroll there is always lots to discover, and he feels much energised by this. This avid newspaper reader can quickly pass a rainy day immersed in interesting books on Africa, biology, sustainability and travel. A sustainable lifestyle in terms of transport, nutrition and housing is very important to him. He is aiming to teach by example, as Gandhi said: „Be the change you want to see in the world!“.
