Wetlands lost a friend last week. Dr Paul Ouedraogo passed away at the age of 58, and was formerly the Senior Regional Advisor for Africa in the Ramsar Secretariat. During that time he was a firm supporter of WWN Africa, ensuring that the voice of civil society groups was heard at the convention at all levels. After leaving the Convention, he continued to work with WWN Africa, providing his expertise on wetland conservation in the continent, advice on partners and resources, and support on preparation of online meetings during the COVID pandemic. Most recently he was Joint Executive Secretary of the Permanent Interstates Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel CILSS.
WWN members across Africa and the Committee have been shocked by the news of his passing, and remember him both personally as a friendly, approachable and supportive colleague and friend, and professionally, opening doors for us in the wetland conservation arena, particularly in Africa, and generously sharing his experience and expertise.
Dr Ouedraogo passed away in Switzerland, and his funeral was in his native Burkina Faso.
