UNEP joins the international conservation community in mourning the passing of our friend and colleague Ziad Samaha.
Ziad, a prominent marine conservationist, passed away on April 21st, 2023, as a result of a diving accident. He was an avid supporter of the Mediterranean Sea's marine environment, particularly advocating for conservation strategies that empowered artisanal fishing communities. Ziad was recognized in the field for his hands-on approach to conservation work, placing great importance on doing the right thing. His generous heart and sense of humour made him a beloved colleague and friend to many.
In his work with the IUCN Regional Office for West Asia (IUCN ROWA), Ziad led numerous marine and coastal initiatives in the Eastern Mediterranean region from his base in Beirut. He was a pioneer in the fight against invasive species and plastic pollution in the region and was instrumental in the development of programmes for marine protected areas in Lebanon and the Eastern Mediterranean.
“Ziad was a fantastic colleague and always had an honest and compelling case for support for community-led marine conservation,” IUCN ROWA director Dr Hany El Shaer says. “He was a worthy, global voice and champion for Lebanon, for the region, and for local conservation efforts.”
Ziad contended that the challenges of working within a system of differing power structures, contrasting cultures and individuals with varying levels of education and empowerment had taught him that raw enthusiasm was not enough on its own to change the world, but that conservation work required strength and resilience to be successful.
During his time with IUCN Ziad collaborated with UNEP on a range of successful initiatives, including projects on sustainable fisheries and livelihood support, and coastal ecosystem resilience in Lebanon, as well as designing and delivering an expanded technical programme at the regional level throughout West Asia.
UNEP programme manager Ersin Esin remembers Ziad as a driver of collaborative partnerships across the region, with an unstinting dedication to protecting marine life and ensuring thriving coastal communities in Lebanon and beyond.
“Ziad was a remarkable person who inspired many with his passion for marine conservation and his tireless dedication to protecting the marine environment,” Ersin says. “I will always remember his infectious enthusiasm and his ability to bring people together in pursuit of a common goal. His passing is a tremendous loss, but his legacy will be felt through the impact he made on the world around us.”
As an inspirational voice for people and nature, we know that Ziad's spirit will continue to live on, and that his achievements will continue to inspire future marine conservationists.
We share our heartfelt condolences with his family and friends, in Lebanon and around the world.
