The
AEWA Secretariat has received the very sad news that Dr.
Brooks Childress, a passionate ornithologist, prolific author
and winner of the Harry Messel Award for Conservation Leadership,
passed away on 22 July 2011.

The world of waterbird conservation has lost a great
pioneer and a leader in flamingo conservation. In his
role as Chairman of the IUCN/SSC Wetlands International
Flamingo Specialist Group (FSG),
Brooks was instrumental in the development of the joint
AEWA and CMS International Single Species Action Plan
for the Lesser Flamingo. His drive and dedication were
also reflected in his numerous publications

Brook’s will not only be missed due to his expertise
and experience but, above all, because of his personality
and his charm. He will remain an inspiration to AEWA and
to the entire waterbird conservation community.