Tribute To Elisabeth Mann Borgese

On behalf of all Greenpeace supporters, Greenpeace Executive Director expressed the organisation's sadness over the death of Elisabeth Mann Borgese. Founder of the International Ocean Institute, and initiator of the Pacem in Maribus (Peace in the Sea) conferences, Elisabeth Mann Borgese died Friday, 8 February, at the age of 83 in Switzerland. She was a pioneer in the field of international maritime law, international governance and ocean conservation. In recent years she was teaching at Halifax University. She was particularly concerned with the legal, economic, social and environmental consequences of sub-seabed mining.

"Her continued struggle for an equitable share of natural resources, and their conservation, was a source of inspiration for all of us", said Gerd Leipold. "She was one of the first successfully marrying conservation, economics and law, and addressing key issues of International Governance in a visionary and effective way."

"Years ago I met Elisabeth Mann Borgese at a conference in Malta. We talked about seabed mining and she said: "As soon as they start with seabed mining, give me a call, and I will jump into a Greenpeace inflatable to protest." Those who knew her have no doubts that she meant it."

"At a time when everyone with common sense seeks to develop a new kind of globalisation that works for all, and the environment, her life and her outstanding contributions have perhaps never been so pertinent".