Luc Hoffmann, Geoffrey Matthews, and Eskandar Firouz: Pioneers of the Ramsar Convention

This podcast created by Felix Dodds and Chris Spence the editors of the book Heroes of Environmental Diplomacy: Profiles in Courage focuses on the contributions of Luc Hoffmann, Geoffrey Matthews, and Eskandar Firouz: Pioneers of the Ramsar Convention international sustainable development efforts. The podcast is produced by Tanner Glenn

Wetlands are among the planet's most vital ecosystems, yet they face constant threats from human activity. In this episode, we uncover the inspiring story behind the Ramsar Convention, the first international treaty to protect wetlands worldwide. We follow three pioneering figures—Swiss ornithologist Luc Hoffmann, British ornithologist Geoffrey Matthews, and Iranian conservationist Eskandar Firouz—as they lay the groundwork for global wetland conservation. From their early conservation efforts to their triumph over Cold War challenges, these visionaries rallied nations to sign the Ramsar Convention in 1971. Join us to explore how their collaboration established wetlands as invaluable ecosystems, essential to nature and human society.

The podcast Luc Hoffmann, Geoffrey Matthews, and Eskandar Firouz: Pioneers of the Ramsar Convention is available here.

These earlier episodes can be found here.

Raúl Estrada-Oyuela: Hero of Kyoto: The Kyoto Protocol

Barack Obama: The Missing Hero? The Copenhagen Climate Summit

Christiana Figueres: The Can-Do Advocate: The Paris Agreement on Climate Change

Mostafa Tolba and the Battle for the Ozone Layer

Sidney Holt a Lifetime Fight to Save the Whales

Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti:  Champion of Sustainable Development