Thymio Papayannis, Senior Advisor on Mediterranean Wetlands to the Ramsar Convention Secretariat and the MedWet Initiative, was conferred upon on 14 October 2009 an Honorary Doctorate by the Department of Agricultural Economy and Development of the Agricultural University of Athens.

The ceremony was hosted at the Agricultural University and was attended by a diverse audience of professors, conservationists, architects and planners, public officials, students of the University and various professionals from the environmental field.

The Honorary Doctorate came as recognition of Thymio Papayannis’ work in the fields of the environment and planning. The ceremony was chaired by the Dean of the Agricultural University Georgios Zervas. Prof. Nikolaos Beopoulos, along with the Dean, presented Thymio Papayannis’ achievements in nature conservation, physical planning and architecture.

His work as an architect and planner in the firm Thymio Papayannis and Associates was commented for the successful integration of sustainable development and physical planning exhibited in projects such as the Faliro Bay Golf Complex for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, several Greek General Hospitals, spatial development and management plans, as well as urban infrastructure project designs. His work in the Ramsar Convention o­n Wetlands was also presented along with his key role and continuous support for the MedWet Initiative since its establishment in 1992. Finally, there was reference to his interest in the integrated approach to the cultural and natural values of wetlands as demonstrated by his position as Secretary of the Ramsar Culture Working Group and Director of the Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos (Med-INA). Med-INA promotes the harmonious relationship between Anthropos and nature by working o­n the interface between the two through research, action and public awareness.

The ceremony was concluded by Thymio Papayannis’ presentation “With Respect to Anthropos and Nature: The case of Prespa”, in which a brief history of 25 years of work for the protection of the two Prespa lakes was analysed and assessed, along with the obstacles and opportunities, the lessons learnt and the way forward. Thymio Papayannis is currently the President of the Society for the Protection of Prespa.

MedWet would like to warmly congratulate Thymio Papayannis for his substantial contribution to the field of sustainable development and environmental protection and his continuous efforts to promote MedWet and its mission. We are very proud to have his guidance and support.

Updated on 10/23/2009 1:02:03 PM