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​Farewell to Thymio Papayannis – A life of vision and commitment

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Thymio Papayannis was the founder of MedINA and co-founder of the Society for the Protection of Prespa, in Greece. For more than thirty years, he worked tirelessly for the conservation and wise use of Mediterranean wetlands. He was a pioneer in integrating cultural values into wetland management.

For more than three decades, Thymio Papayannis worked tirelessly for the wise use of wetlands and for highlighting their cultural significance. As Special Advisor to the Convention on Wetlands, he championed the integration of cultural values into wetland management and advanced knowledge through the publication of numerous books and articles. He was also the founder of the Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos (MedINA) and co-founder of the Society for the Protection of Prespa – our members from Greece – while contributing decisively to the creation of many other organisations and partnerships that continue to inspire and guide us today.

Long before the concept became widely recognised, Thymio Papayannis spoke of the harmonious coexistence of people and nature. His legacy reminds us that protecting the natural world is not only a scientific responsibility, but also a profound act of culture, humanity, and shared stewardship. Above all, he showed us that lasting change is built through trust, patience, vision, and collective commitment.