In memoriam: Dr. Hans Bibelriether

With deep sadness, we acknowledge the passing of Dr. Hans Bibelriether on 18.02.2025, at the age of 91.

Condolence Message from EUROPARC Federation on the Passing of Dr. Hans Bibelriether

With deep sadness, we acknowledge the passing of Dr. Hans Bibelriether, a visionary in nature conservation and a foundational figure in the history of the EUROPARC Federation. His name is inextricably linked to the creation of EUROPARC, and his legacy continues to shape our work today.

Dr. Bibelriether was a pioneer in Protected Area management in Europe. As the first director of the Bavarian Forest National Park, he championed the principle of “Let nature be nature,” a philosophy that has shaped the approach to National Parks and wilderness areas across Europe. More than that, he was one of the leaders of his generation who recognized not only the value, but the absolute necessity of establishing nature conservation in Europe on the basis of international cooperation. In the 1990s he realised that a window of opportunity was opening with the reunification of Germany that had to be used to establish and then build up as many Protected Areas as possible in Germany, but also in the new Eastern Bloc countries.

His leadership extended beyond borders—he played a pivotal role in the development of EUROPARC Federation, serving as Vice President and later as President, tirelessly advocating for transboundary cooperation and the role of Protected Areas in nature conservation. His unwavering dedication and belief in the power of nature will continue to inspire generations of conservationists. 

Furthermore, during the 1990’s and 2000’s, together with council members Aitken Clark, Dr Patrizia Rossi, Michael Starrett, Erica Stanciu and Thomas Hansson, Dr Hans Bibelriether guided the Federation through expansion of membership and staffing. It was during this period, that an office in Brussels was opened and the headquarters were moved to Regensburg. In addition, they presided over a period of intense project work, such as the hugely ambitious and successful Partnership & Exchange Programme 1994-1999 and the Phare – European Expertise Exchange Project, from 1997-2001. These projects embodied the ideal of international exchange across the network, fondly remembered by many members.

The EUROPARC community mourns the loss of a colleague, mentor, and friend, but his legacy will live on in the landscapes he helped to protect and the institutions he helped to build. We will carry forward the torch of his ideas, ensuring that his vision of strong, cooperative nature conservation continues to guide our efforts.

On behalf of the EUROPARC Directorate, Council and the membership, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

Michael Hošek,
President, EUROPARC Federation

If you’d like to learn more about the history of the Federation and Dr. Hans Bibelriether’s role, we warmly invite you to discover our 40 years brochure and the 50th anniversary storybook.