A tribute to Françoise Burhenne-Guilmin
26 August 2013 | News story
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It is with great sadness that IUCN announces the passing of Dr Françoise Burhenne-Guilmin after a protracted illness.
This is a tremendous loss to the organisation and, in particular, to its Environmental Law community.
Françoise Burhenne-Guilmin is a prodigious example of a lifetime’s dedication to the conservation of the environment through the conceptual development of its legal dimension. After graduation as a Doctor in Law at the University of Brussels in 1966, Françoise was appointed Secretary to the IUCN Commission on Legislation. From 1970 to 1972 she worked as Legal Officer and in 1973 became Head of the IUCN Environmental Law Centre (ELC) in Bonn, the position she held until 1999. From that time onwards she worked as Senior Counsel to the three consecutive directors of the ELC.
Françoise was instrumental in drafting and elaborating a number of international conventions, agreements and instruments, such as the African Convention for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora –CITES; the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals; the World Charter for Nature; the ASEAN Agreement on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources; and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Her real passion was the development of technical capacities through access to information on environmental law and policy. That is why already in the 1970s, she initiated the Environmental Law Information System (ELIS), presented at the Stockholm Conference, which over the years evolved into the far more sophisticated online information system ECOLEX, the Gateway to Environmental Law.
Françoise’s commitment to the young generation of environmental lawyers was extraordinary. She provided encouragement and support to numerous researchers and interns from all over the world. IUCN Council paid tribute to this in January this year by establishing the Françoise Burhenne Fellowship in Environmental Law as a way to build on her legacy.
Her lifelong contribution to environmental law was acknowledged through many recognitions, distinctions and awards such as the Better World Society Medal for Protection of the Global Environment (1989), the 1991 International Environment Prize of the United Nations, and the Elizabeth Haub Prize for Environmental Law (2008).
Her uncompromising demand for accuracy and precision not only in her own but also in the work of others, her determination mixed with kindness, her legendary hospitality in Oelinghoven will be remembered by everyone who experienced them.
She was a remarkable and passionate lawyer who not only shaped the IUCN agenda on policy and law, but influenced the lives of many lawyers around the world. Her daily presence will be missed by the entire organisation, but in particular by her colleagues at the Environmental Law Centre.
Should you wish to share your memories of Françoise Burhenne-Guilmin or write some words of condolence, kindly post your text below.
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Francoise Burhenne-Guilmin
Photo: IUCN ELP
I cannot remember when I first met Francoise - it was in the early nineties when I worked in the Eastern Africa Regional Officer. She has been "there" ever since - IUCN Congresses, global conferences and other key events. She was part of the TEMATEA discussions in Brussels a few years ago, and joined us at the 2011 Regional Members meeting in Bonn. She will be missed.
My sincere condolences go to Wolfgang.
September 30, 2013 - 14:02
Francoise was an inspiration to most legal practitioners in the fueld of environmetnal law. Her contribution will be much remembered by those whe had the fortune to know her personally or to have benefitted from her extensive work on conservation and environmental law
September 15, 2013 - 22:26
September 12, 2013 - 16:53
How generous with her time was Francoise in my early years of reviewing and developing policy and environmental law proposals and working effectively with various legal instruments. As an ecologist this was new and confusing territory that Francoise helped me navigate with a true mentor's consummate patience and interest. My sincere condolences to Wolfgang, who too played a part those many decades ago.
September 10, 2013 - 03:57
Francoise & Wolfgang created a world of "Conventions" which have led to better management and understanding of our conservation world. She was a tireless worker and a great hostess,Malvina and I send our condolences to Wolfgang.
September 9, 2013 - 19:57
The passing of Francoise is indeed a major loss for the environmental law community. Her life long dedication to the cause of environmental protection remains a source of inspiration to all of us. Her leadership role and contribution towards updating the 1968 Algiers Convention was one of her monumental achievements. Thank Francoise, and may you rest in peace!
September 9, 2013 - 19:03
We are all deeply affected by the loss of Francoise. The legacy of her life's work touches us all. Global Conventions reflect her contributions and her devotion to protected areas, in particular, continue to realize conservation benefits. It has been a privilege to have known and worked with Francoise, a warm, pleasant and dedicated colleague. Walter, my condolences.
September 9, 2013 - 15:05
Like my peers I have known Francoise all my life in the conservation field and the assistance and mentoring she provided to us emerging professionals will never be forgotten. I was saddened to hear of her passing but know that the knowledge she has passed on will live with me and I will have the opportunity to pass it on.
September 8, 2013 - 21:53
It is with great saddness that I read of the death of Francoise. We have known each other since the early 1980s and have worked together on many projects. My deepest sympathy, together with that of ICEF President Conso, the Scientific Committee and all who work and collaborate at ICEF, goes out to Wolfgang and her family, to her friends and to the members of IUCN. May she rest in peace.
September 8, 2013 - 12:32
Francoise Burhenne-Guilmin, The beacon icon in IUCN team for conservation of wild life & nature ! Great tribute to her for her successive life with IUCN in promotion of conservation....
September 8, 2013 - 06:16
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