Dr. Luc Hoffmann (Basel, Switzerland, 1923) passed away on July 21st, 2016 in the Camargue at the age of 93. He was one of the greatest conservationists of his era and has greatly contributed to conservation efforts in the Mediterranean. 

Dr. Hoffmann had a vision and a spirit that allowed the development of concrete actions and the allocation of funds for Mediterranean biodiversity conservation. Considered as "the wise man in global nature protection", he went from theory to practice aiming all his energy and convincing power to the rescue of territories that are crucial to the functioning of our ecosystems within the Mediterranean.

It is in our region that he founded the Tour du Valat biological research station (1954) and supported the Camargue Regional Nature Park (1970), both located in France. He also fostered the conservation of the Doñana National Park in Spain (1964), the Prespa National Park in Greece and the Skadar/Skhodra lake in Albania and Montenegro. Moreover, he was the co-founder of WWF and its advocate in Spain, Greece and France, as well as promoter of the International Wildfowl Research Bureau and the Banc d'Arguin International Foundation.

He has also played a key role in the successful creation of protected areas and the conservation of biodiversity in Spain, France and Greece.

His achievements in the Mediterranean have been acknowledged through various appointments such as Chevalier of the National Order of the Légion d'honneur in France (1989); Honorary doctorate by the University of Thessalonica (1992) and Order of Merit of Greece (1998); Honorary Citizen in Prespa (1998); Isabella the Catholic Medal in Spain (2009); Honorary Member of the Camargue Regional Nature Park (2010); and received the 2016 Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation award for biodiversity conservation.

He personally supported the Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation of IUCN and contributed to the establishment of the 2015-2019 agreement with the MAVA Foundation.

Thank you "Master Luc", may the earth that you so loved be gentle to you.

Photo credits:  Ⓒ Tour du Valat