Namibian Biosafety Expert Martha Kandawa-Schulz Passes Away in Armenia

Martha Kandawa-Schulz, who was Namibia’s Cartagena Protocol National Focal Point, has died in Yerevan, Armenia. She was taking part in the ongoing United Nations Biodiversity Conference, known as CBD COP17.

Ms Kandawa-Schulz passed away on 23 October. This information came from a statement released by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat on Sunday evening.

At the conference, she was the Co-Chair of the Contact Group on Risk Assessment and Risk Management of Living Modified Organisms.

In a message to delegates, the Secretariat praised her as a respected colleague. They said her dedication, expertise, and leadership made a big impact on the Convention and its Protocols, as well as the global biosafety community.

The statement noted that her commitment and teamwork earned her the respect and appreciation of those who worked with her.

The Secretariat also sent condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and the Government and people of Namibia. They expressed sympathy to the African Group and others who are grieving her loss.

“The Presidency and the Secretariat are working closely together to support her family and the Namibian delegation on site, and to facilitate the necessary arrangements,” the statement said.

A book of condolences will be available to delegates starting at 1 PM on Monday at Entrance 2, near the Asia-Pacific Room. This is for anyone who wants to pay their respects.

The Secretariat encouraged delegates to celebrate Ms Kandawa-Schulz’s memory and acknowledge her contributions to the shared goals of the Convention.

They did not provide details about the circumstances of her death. Reports suggest that she collapsed during a working group meeting on Friday.

CBD COP17 is happening in Yerevan, Armenia. The event is bringing together government representatives, scientists, civil society members, and researchers from nearly 196 countries. They are discussing global biodiversity conservation and how to implement the Convention and its associated protocols.