Dear Mrs Young and family,
I send my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. The conservation community lost a guide and a mentor and I also lost a friend, a dear friend.
I met Lew eight years ago, and since then we kept working closely together, talking at least once a week. He always believed in me and despite his always busy schedule always found time to help, to discuss, to listen and to provide guidance and assistance. Lew was always ready to innovate and to initiate new pathways for wetland conservation. It is in great part thanks to him that a number of the initiatives I work on have seen the light of day.
Lew was a conservationist but also a profound humanist, convinced that through environmental conservation, societies could become more peaceful, more fair and equitable. His capacity to advise, to listen and to empower people in his own gentle and compassionate way was unique and something I admire him for and which inspires me. Watching Lew at work was a reminder that our work is not only a job, but also, a mission that requires passion, dedication and constant energy and innovation.
I was there during the tragic events. During this last mission, Lew was as active as always and pursuing a suite of new initiatives, he delivered the last presentation of the day with his usual energy and enthusiasm. I can still hear his voice, reminding us of the importance of international cooperation and emphasizing the role that wetlands play, not only in supporting biodiversity, but also, the livelihoods and wellbeing of local communities he loved so much.
Lew is irreplaceable, and my pain and sadness are immense today. His work will continue to guide and inspire me for many years to come and I will never forget him. I will do everything in my power to complete his work in Mundok Ramsar site, which he loved so much, in his memory and as a thanks for everything he gave us.
I wish you and your family to remain strong and to find a way to heal the pain, again all my condolences from the bottom of my heart.
Raphaël Glémet