One man made a difference

EUROPARC learned of the sad passing of Dr Arthur Mitchell of the Mourne Heritage Trust. Arthur was an esteemed Alfred Toepfer Medal winner, honouring his long-term commitment, participatory approach and success in developing conservation of Protected Areas, in Northern Ireland.

A retired Medical doctor, peoples‘ participation was at the core of the community networks he initiated to protect and enhance natural landscapes ensuring income-generating opportunities through sustainable tourism and other activities. It was his unstinting commitment and dedicated approach that by fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors, which led to the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, becoming the first UK protected area to be awarded the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas. His focus and vision were also instrumental in Northern Irish rural areas acquiring support from the EU’s peace fund in 2004.

He was a well loved and respected member of the EUROPARC family, and his legacy, vision, humanity, belief in people and commitment to protected landscapes, will live on through the many he inspired.

EUROPARC sends our deepest condolences to all at the Mourne Heritage Trust and Dr Mitchell’s family and friends