IN MEMORIAM - In memory of Dr. Brooks Childress, Chair of the IUCN/Wetlands International Flamingo Specialist Group

The AEWA Secretariat has received the very sad news that Dr. Brooks Childress, a passionate ornithologist, prolific author and winner of the Harry Messel Award for Conservation Leadership, passed away on 22 July 2011.

The world of waterbird conservation has lost a great pioneer and a leader in flamingo conservation. In his role as Chairman of the IUCN/SSC Wetlands International Flamingo Specialist Group (FSG), Brooks was instrumental in the development of the joint AEWA and CMS International Single Species Action Plan for the Lesser Flamingo. His drive and dedication were also reflected in his numerous publications

Brook’s will not only be missed due to his expertise and experience but, above all, because of his personality and his charm. He will remain an inspiration to AEWA and to the entire waterbird conservation community.