Death of a Conservationist

Forest and Bird, Volume 22, Issue 1, 1 February 1991, Page 6

Death of a Conservationist

WHEN CHICO MENDES was murdered in 1988 the world mourned the senseless death of a committed conservationist. The suicide of Thai conservationist Seub Nakhasathien in September last year was not so widely publicised, but nevertheless it rocked a nation where conservation has become a major issue. For a week crowds gathered to pay their last respects. Media coverage was beyond expectation. Over 2000 people attended the funeral service. Thailand's King and Queen, in an unprecedented gesture of respect for a common man they had never met, sponsored the last two days of Seub’s funeral rites. 40-year-old Seub killed himself because the pressures of trying to enforce conservation measures had become too great: illegal loggers had placed a price on his head, and his dream of turning the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary — described as the richest tropical forest in mainland South-East Asia and in line for World Heritage status — into a well protected, well managed sanctuary had turned sour. However, Seub’s sacrifice may not be in vain. His death has drawn attention to the enormous difficulties facing conservationists and the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation has been set up to provide financial support for Thailand's underpaid rangers and other forest protection workers. Source: The Ecologist