Willem Goedkoop and Joseph Culp CBMP Freshwater Co-leads step down after 15 years of leading the group

CBMP Freshwater Leadership Transition: Honoring Two Visionary Leaders and Welcoming New Co-Leads

After 15 years of leadership, Willem Goedkoop (Sweden) and Joseph Culp (Canada) are stepping down as Co-Leads of the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program (CBMP) Freshwater Steering Group, marking the end of an era for the CBMP Freshwater Steering Group. Both have announced their retirement, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly shaped the work of CAFF and the Arctic Council.

Since the group’s formation in 2010, Willem and Joseph have been instrumental in developing the CBMP’s Arctic Freshwater Biodiversity Monitoring Plan (2012), leading development and publication of CAFF’s State of the Arctic Freshwater Biodiversity Report (2019), and coordinating the accompanying Freshwater Biology special issue “Ecological Change in Arctic Freshwater” (2022). These landmark publications—along with several other products and guidance documents developed by the group—have strengthened collaboration across Arctic States, advanced harmonized monitoring methods, and ensured that freshwater biodiversity remains a priority in circumpolar conservation work.

“Joseph and Willem have made significant contributions to CAFF’s work. Through their leadership and expertise, the CBMP Freshwater network made significant scientific contributions to understand complex ecosystems undergoing rapid change,” says Courtney Price, CAFF Executive Secretary. “What’s more, Willem and Joseph developed a wonderful friendship in the process, which infused a fun enthusiasm for the work. Thank you to them both for all the years of dedication and contributions.”

On February 4th, a Virtual Celebration was held as Willem and Joseph stepped down as CBMP co-leads with dozens of colleagues past and present joining for the occasion. The CAFF Secretariat was in addition able to thank them in person at a hybrid Co-lead meeting in Iceland 4-6 November 2025. For the occasion, the Freshwater group has collected some photos from meetings through the years, which can be seen below.

Welcoming Jen Lento and Danny Lau as CBMP Freshwater successors

Jen Lento (Canada) and Danny Lau (Sweden) have assumed the CBMP Freshwater Co-Lead roles, bringing extensive experience and long-standing engagement with the Freshwater Steering Group and ensuring continuity and scientific rigor in the group’s work. Jen and Danny were first involved in CBMP Freshwater by Joseph and Willem in 2010, and since then they have developed tight collaborations on both research and CBMP work. Jen and Danny have led several activities of the CBMP Freshwater Steering Group, including projects under the current Arctic Freshwater Monitoring Plan 2020–2027 Work Plan such as database development and harmonization of monitoring methods.

“We are truly thankful for Joseph and Willem’s leadership and their contributions to CBMP Freshwater over the past 15 years. They have developed not only strong collaborations and synergy but also a genuine sense of family within the team. Their insights and continuous efforts have significantly advanced our work on Arctic freshwater biodiversity,” says Danny. “Although they are stepping down as Co-Leads, I believe they will continue to serve as informal advisors to the CBMP.”

“Working with Joseph and Willem in CBMP Freshwater over the last 15 years has been a wonderful experience, and I am grateful for their strong leadership, their passion for Arctic freshwater science, and their understanding of the importance of collaboration. The dedication that they have brought to this work and to their roles as Co-Leads has inspired the CBMP Freshwater Steering Group, and the joy that they infused has made being part of this group a highlight for everyone involved,” says Jen. “We are thankful for everything they have done for CBMP Freshwater, and we look forward to continuing to benefit from their insights and guidance as they take on a more advisory role.”

Their leadership comes at a pivotal time, as the group advances projects on standardized sampling methods, upgrades to the CBMP Freshwater database, renews engagement with national Freshwater Expert Networks and looks to update the State of the Arctic Freshwater Biodiversity Report.

“With Jen and Danny at the helm, the Steering Group is well-positioned to build on the strong foundation laid by Willem and Joseph and to continue delivering critical insights for Arctic biodiversity conservation”, says Tom Christensen, CBMP Co-lead KoD.