Bonn, 18 February 2015 – The AEWA Secretariat has learned with deep regret that Professor Dr. Jānis Vīksne passed away last Friday.  He was a founder member and the first president of the Latvian Ornithological Society and had made a significant contribution to the conservation of birds in his home country of Latvia and beyond.

Professor Viksne had worked at the Academy of Sciences – later the University of Latvia – since 1953 and was the author of many books on Latvian avian fauna.  He was also active on the international stage being instrumental in securing Latvia’s accession to AEWA as well as being closely involved in the OMPO, the European Institute for the Management of Wild Birds and their Habitats.