The Urgewald management board

Our managing board works on a voluntary basis and is committed to developing internal structures and achieving good work conditions. It also examines finances and supports the team with work content assessment seen from a different perspective.

Hedwig Tarner

Hedwig Tarner has been a board member since 1994. With her growing experience, sense and sensibility, she has accompanied, supported and furthered Urgewald’s development from a small association with 2 part-timers to a professional and internationally recognized organization. She holds a diploma in Geography and in addition to her work in a non-profit organization she has completed a Masters in non-profit administration. Her training, profession and voluntary work are the perfect fit. The Urgewald foundation, where Hedwig is board member and co-founder, has existed since 2019 and her aim is also to accompany it on its path to success!

Hedwig has previously been awarded the Federal Cross of Merit for her wide-ranging political and civic involvement. She enjoys a lot of things, especially if they require staying power - the exit from nuclear energy, running and knitting jumpers!

Dr. Werner Rolf

Werner Rolf’s path to Urgewald led him through the Canadian rainforest on Vancouver Island (Clayoquot Sound). In 1994, he became involved on a voluntary basis in the wood and paper campaign and later supported us in the development of our first internet campaigns. From time to time, he also lent a hand to the office conversion roofing. He’s been a board member since 2008.

Werner holds a doctorate from Potsdam University. He studied Landscape Management and works as a researcher and teacher at the Landscape Development department of the Technical University of Munich. He is also involved in the European Society for Landscape Ecology.

He enjoys spending his remaining free time with his family of three children.

Christoph Benze

Urgewald was the first milestone in Christoph Benze’s career after his Biology degree. From 1998 – 2002, his work focused on nuclear energy and his impressions and experiences from this period have shaped him and remained with him ever since. Professionally, he is involved in energy transition and effective climate protection – since 2011 as a consultant in the Rheinland-Pfalz Ministry of Environment. He's continued to put heart and soul into his Urgewald commitment and is a voluntary board member - from 2006 – 2013 and again since 2017 (with a pause for a change of location and occupation).

Christoph’s life centres on his family of 3 children. He enjoys hiking, playing chess and football.