Sep 18, 2020 @ 3:05pm

We are saddened to share the news of the passing of a dear colleague and life-long craniac, Paul Mafabi, the "father of cranes in Uganda." Paul died this week of complications related to COVID-19.This treasured photo from a few years ago includes our staff Maurice Wanjala, Jimmy Muheebwe, Kerryn Morrison, Paul and myself (left to right).Paul served as one of our Senior Advisors, and provided important guidance to our program development in East Africa. Paul was among the first African colleagues to visit our headquarters in Wisconsin, as part of a study tour we hosted in 1987. He conducted his MSc research on Grey Crowned Cranes in Uganda, pioneering the study of cranes in the region.Among his many accomplishments, Paul Mafabi was involved in the creation and implementation of the national wetland protection laws in Uganda, among the first such laws ever established in Africa and a continental model for conservation. He was very active with the World Conservation Union and Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance and served on many global boards and advisory committees. He served many years as Director of Environment for the Uganda Ministry of Water of Environment. Most recently, in his retirement, Paul provided leadership to the Green Climate Fund in Uganda.Thank you Paul for your life-long commitment to cranes and wetland conservation.With very fond remembrance, may Paul rest in peace,Rich Beilfuss, President and CEO