Bonn, 22 August 2012 - The UNEP/CMS and the UNEP/AEWA Secretariats learned with deep regret and sadness of the sudden death of Dr. Martin Schneider-Jacoby, who had worked as a project leader for the foundation EuroNatur since its foundation in 1987.

International bird conservation and in particular waterbird conservation were very close to his heart and he was particularly committed to nature conservation in the Balkans. He was also one of the driving forces behind the Adriatic Flyway Conference, which took place in Ulcinj, Montenegro in April 2009 and the main outcome of which was the Ulcinj Declaration, underlining the importance of the Bojana-Buna-Delta and the need for its protection. This is an area of significant ecological value, in particular for birds that breed, migrate and winter in this region.

CMS and AEWA have a great deal to be thankful for, having profited from Dr. Schneider-Jacoby’s dedication and his love for migratory birds and nature in general over the years. We would like to express our deepest gratitude for his commitment and to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Please find attached the obituary by EuroNatur: EuroNatur mourns the loss of Dr. Martin Schneider-Jacoby.