EUROPARC says goodbye to three much loved individuals

It has been a traumatic week for EUROPARC with the death Aitken Clark today, preceded by Geraint George from Wales who that many will remember as the great manager of many a post gala dinner EUROPARC party . We mark the passing too of Jordi Falgarona from Spain who ensured the cultural and spiritual values of protected areas remained in EUROPARC’s heart.

Geraint George - a message from the Countryside Council for Wales

The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) is deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Geraint George’s sudden death. He was a member of CCW since January 2008 and brought to the role his knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for the Welsh environment and countryside management.

Geraint has been a leading light in environmental education for many years. His post-graduate countryside management course has trained a generation of conservation professionals, many of whom work for CCW.

Geraint championed environmental education through the Welsh language and chaired the National Access Forum, which advises CCW and the Welsh Assembly Government on all matters relating to access to the countryside and coast. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with Elen and his three children.

Jordi Falgarona - a message from EUROPARC Spain

Jordi Falgarona, an old friend of many of us, active and enthusiast member of EUROPARC Federation, EUROPARC Spain and WCPA, peacefully passed away last March 24th.

Jordi worked in management of protected landscapes for over twenty years, and also representing the Ministry of the Environment of Catalonia, Spain, in numerous national and international events. Among many other things, he was instrumental in getting the cultural and spiritual values in the agenda of both the Europarc Federation and the Spanish Section of the Europarc Federation.

Jordi was the founder and president of the Silene Association, a small NGO aimed at the study, dissemination and promotion of the spiritual and intangible cultural heritage, especially in relation to nature conservation.

His funeral was in Argelaguer, a small village where he was born, near the Garrotxa Volcanic Area Natural Park, where he was working until the illness stopped him, one and a half years ago.

He will be remembered by his gentleness and generosity, and will be missed by all who had the privilege to work with him. May he rest in peace.

Aitken Clark

EUROPARC has written a special message about Aitken which can be found here: www.europarc.org/professor-aitken-cla/.