The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) mourns with deep sorrow the passing of renowned Greek environmentalist, architect, and global advocate for nature and culture, Thymio Papayannis, whose lifelong work left a profound impact on environmental conservation across the Mediterranean and beyond.
Thymio Papayannis was among the first international voices to champion the vital connection between nature and culture, advocating for a holistic approach to conservation rooted in people, heritage, landscapes, and biodiversity. Through his vision, he helped shape a new understanding of ecology, one that viewed environmental protection not as separation from humanity, but as a living relationship between communities and nature.
SPNL recalls with gratitude the longstanding friendship and partnership that united Thymio Papayannis with the organization and its President, Assad Serhal, particularly through the revival of the Hima approach as a community-based conservation model across the Mediterranean region and globally.
In January 2016, Papayannis joined partners of the Transhumance Project, funded by the MAVA Foundation, during a visit to SPNL’s Hima Centre in West Bekaa, alongside representatives from Greece, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Morocco, Switzerland, and Lebanon. During the visit, participants learned firsthand from the SPNL team about the Hima approach and its role in linking ecological conservation with cultural heritage and community stewardship.
Commenting on the loss, SPNL Director General Assad Serhal said:
“Thymio was one of the first international believers in the need to link nature to culture. He stood with us on the front lines across the Mediterranean, from Greece and beyond, advocating for the revival of Hima. He was not only a globally respected environmental thinker and architect, but also a close friend, a hero for nature, and a true believer in the spirit of Hima.”
Serhal added:
“Through his friendship with the late Luc Hoffmann and his pivotal role in numerous international environmental organizations and initiatives, Thymio helped SPNL revive and promote Hima globally over the years. His wisdom, humanity, and commitment to people-centered conservation inspired generations of environmental defenders.”
Born in Athens in 1934, Thymio Papayannis studied architecture and urban planning at MIT and the National Technical University of Athens. Beyond his influential architectural work in Greece, he became internationally recognized for his environmental leadership. He co-founded and contributed to major initiatives and organizations including MedINA, MedWet, WWF Greece, the Society for the Protection of Prespa, and the Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre (EKBY).
His philosophy emphasized that landscapes are not merely ecosystems, but carriers of memory, identity, spirituality, and cultural continuity. He believed deeply that environmental protection must be rooted in coexistence, dialogue, and respect for local communities.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions to environmental conservation and the global revival of the Hima philosophy, SPNL proudly grants Thymio Papayannis the “Homat Al Hima” Award posthumously.
SPNL extends its heartfelt condolences to his wife, daughter, colleagues, friends, and the international environmental community that mourns the loss of one of the Mediterranean’s most visionary environmental leaders.
May his kind soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire future generations working to protect both nature and humanity.
