Archived press release

Body of missing environmentalist found

11 January 1995

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASe 16.30 hrs jan. 8, 1995.

Body of missing environmentalist found

The body of Andrew Lees, Campaigns Director of Friends of the Earth, was found late yesterday in the Madagascan forest near to where he was last seen on New Year's Eve.

The preliminary diagnosis carried out by Dr Jonathan Kaplan, the companion of Andrew's girlfriend Chris Orengo at the scene of the search, and a local doctor concluded that Andrew died quickly from natural causes; probably a massive heart attack, soon after entering the forest on the last day of his holiday. There is no indication of foul play.

Andrew's body is today being flown to the Madagascan capital for repatriation as soon as necessary formalities have been completed.

Andrew's long and varied career at Friends of the Earth, was marked by several outstanding achievements. Between 1978-81, working as a volunteer, Andrew led a successful campaign to save the internationally important Crymlyn Bog near Swansea in South Wales. In 1982-83, working as the coordinator of Broadland Friends of the Earth, he scored a major victory in saving Norfolk's Halvergate Marshes from imminent destruction by intensive cereal farming.

Andrew joined Friends of the Earth's national staff in 1985 as the Countryside and Pesticides Campaigner. He pioneered the use of the formal complaints procedure to seek to ensure proper implementation by the British Government of European Community environmental laws. Following Friends of the Earth's complaints, the British Government was convicted of breaches of bathing beach and drinking water standards.

In 1988, Andrew and Charles Secrett exposed the illegal dumping of 8,000 tonnes of Italian chemical waste at a small village, Koko, in the Niger delta and later revealed that the waste was being shipped to the UK in the now notorious Karin B. This led to the European Community greatly strengthening its toxic waste policies.

In 1990, Andrew became Campaigns Director where he continued to develop the use of the law as an effective campaigning weapon, pioneered the use of new information technologies, maintained a high profile for the organisation's work and an increasingly international perspective for its messages. In 1992 he attended the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit.

Charles Secrett, Friends of the Earth's Director, said:

"This is tragic news. Andrews' death is a tremedous loss to us all. I knew him for over fifteen years as close friend and inspiring colleague. I cannot believe that we will never see him again. My heart goes out to Chris his fiancee and his family. Andrew was one of Europe's most effective campaigners - absolutely committed and he pursued with a vengence polluting industries and Governments that allow environmental abuse. The environmental movement has lost one of its best and brightest stars.

Tony Juniper, Habitats Campaigner, said:

"I have not met a more formidable, single-minded or imaginative advocate for the environment. The Earth never had a better friend".

Dr Patrick Green, Energy Campaigner, said:

"This is devastating news. Andrew's committment, enthusiasm and limitless energy were an inspiration to everyone at Friends of the Earth. I am proud and honoured to have known and worked with him, he will be much missed."

Friends of the Earth extends its deepest sympathy to Andrew's family following this tragic news and thanks all the many people and organisations who have offered support during this very difficult week.

ENDS

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust