Peace Parks Foundation is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Anthony Hall-Martin, conservation director of African Parks, and well known and loved by everyone involved in conservation.
African Parks has stated:
“Anthony had a distinguished conservation career of nearly 50 years and his loss will resonate throughout the continent. During his lifetime he tirelessly championed the cause of wildlife conservation, raised hundreds of millions of dollars for its benefit, and was responsible for the establishment, expansion or management of dozens of protected areas. He was particularly renowned as a world authority on the African elephant and black rhinoceros and was the author of more than ten books and 80 published scientific papers. During his lengthy tenure at South African National Parks, he was responsible for the creation or expansion of many protected areas, including the expanded Addo Elephant National Park, the giant Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park straddling South Africa and Botswana and the Marakele contract national park. During his career he was responsible for the introduction of elephant and rhino to national parks and wildlife reserves across Africa, perfecting translocation techniques and contributing greatly to the conservation of these species.”
Peace Parks Foundation knew Anthony from the crucial role he played in the development of southern Africa’s transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs), as he was co-author of the 2002 status report on existing and potential TFCAs in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. To this day, that report serves as the basis for planning and developing the SADC TFCAs.
Peace Parks Foundation CEO, Werner Myburgh said:
“Anthony was not only a mentor and adviser to Peace Parks Foundation, but a true friend. He was one of the most influential conservationists in southern Africa and instrumental in the strategic direction and activities of the foundation in its formative years.”
“His pragmatic approach to solving the myriad of challenges faced in the establishment and management of protected areas and TFCAs has been an inspiration to me personally and very much forms part of how Peace Parks Foundation conducts its business up to today.”
“He will be sorely missed for his wisdom, intellect, leadership, guidance and friendship. A true conservation icon and a great loss to all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
