This summer, Theunis Piersma and André Hoffmann, President of Tour du Valat, were appointed Chevaliers in the National Order of Merit of Mauritania, for their dedicated work in the Banc d’Arguin National Park (PNBA).
PNBA is one of the largest protected marine areas in Africa, covering 12,000 km², of which 5,400 km² is marine territory. The national park is home to numerous species of fish and shellfish and hosts over two million migratory birds, including the red knot.
André’s father, Luc Hoffmann, was enchanted by the beauty and biodiversity of the Banc d’Arguin. In 1986, he helped establish the International Foundation for Banc d’Arguin, together with the Mauritanian government. Since 1989, PNBA has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The beautiful ceremony was attended by a lot of special guests and:
- Mr André Hoffmann (Chevalier)
- Mr Theunis Piersma (Chevalier)
- Mr Nami Salihy, Director of the Banc d’Arguin National Park
- Mr Sidina, Deputy Director of the park
- Mr Ahmed Lefghih, Executive Director of BACoMaB
- Mr Ahmed Senhoury, Executive Director of PRCM (Regional Partnership for the Conservation of the Coastal and Marine zone in West Africa)
- Mr Jean Jalbert, Director of Tour du Valat
- Mr Johan van de Gronden, Director Development of BirdEyes
BirdEyes warmly congratulates Theunis Piersma and André Hoffmann on this special honour! Many thanks to the Mauritanian delegation for their recognition and the many warm, fruitful conversations.
