Remote colleagues for 9 years, I only had the pleasure to meet Ziad a handful of times but we had plenty of electronic exchanges - often him pleading for high-res photos of marine species to illustrate his work down in Lebanon! He will continue to be an inspiration for his huge passion and for what he achieved in very difficult circumstances. Such a good guy, so kind, positive and funny. So sad...

Only met Ziad in Marseille for the Congress last year, but we directly got along. I remember serious talks but also lots of laughter and complicity. Sad news.

Ziad has dedicated his life to the marine environment, it was his passion and his cause. He was so engaged in defending the Mediterranean Sea, and has inspired many persons to love the sea and to work for its protection. He is a very supportive and collaborative colleague who supported our work on MPAs at the Ministry of Environment in Lebanon and pushed forward towards the creation of new MPAs. He is also a great friend, very kind, always ready to help, and with a great sense of humor. Too sad!

Since our childhood Ziad was a neighbour classmate and a brother.we grew up together and shared everything we had together. A generous person since we were kids. You left us early and I blame myself not to keep in touch so often.ur time was taken by the passion to ur work and Africa also took me away.forgive me bro. Till we meet again.i can't even face roula mom or dad.

Ziad was one of the polite, positive, and supportive personalities, he gave a lot, and he was a believer in the importance of protecting nature and the marine environment in particular. I am very sad for the loss of one of the fighters in our region, and I ask God to have mercy on him... Ziad, we will not forget you

I remember Ziad vibrant, full of energy and generous, each time I met him I was inspired by his humanity, sense of humour and his incredible achievements. We met in several workshops and each time it was a pleasure to exchange with him and to learn from his incredible experience. Ziad invested on real and geniune human connections and his impact will last forerver. He will reallly be missed. My warm thoughts to his loved ones!

La cuisine libanaise, la mer, le soleil, Ziad le méditerranéen avait cette façon si positive et si volontaire de vivre son engagement, sa passion pour la protection de notre mer méditerranée. Une source d'inspiration pour nous tous qui continuera à nous inspirer et à nous guider - toutes nos condoléances à sa famille et à ses proches

Our brother Ziad was such a cheerful, supportive and knowledgeable person whom I had a chance to meet in different fora. I recall during moments of chit-chat and professional conversations, Ziad never held back in sharing from his basket of knowledge and understanding of the Mediterranean environment, from plastic pollution to fisheries and potential solutions and strategies to resolving complex challenges.

Too early to leave this world for which you were doing that much. Thank you for your dedication, for your enthusiasm, for your desire to do and change things that were contagious, for the time we shared. It was a privilege getting to know you. I will not forget you dear Ziad. Your brother from Argentina.

Ziad was a fantastic colleague and always had an honest and compelling case for support for community-led marine conservation. He was a worthy, global voice and champion for Lebanon, for the region, and for local conservation efforts. Ziad was an inspirational voice for people and nature. He was also a brother and a colleague. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, in Lebanon and around the world.

I worked with Ziad remotely and I truly appreciated his constructive, tranquil and friendly manner in the midst of the stress and unclarity. Ziad was definitely a passionate professional!

I was fortunate enough to work with him - though remotely - on a project to conserve some of the beauty of my beloved Lebanon. His passion for the environment and his enthusiasm were contagious. What a tragic loss for all of us.
Dear Ziad, we will not forget you.

I got to know him as an incredibly engaged person, full of energy, committed to the cause, with outstanding expertise, knowing Lebanon’s coastal and underwater life like hardly anyone else. His kindness, his readiness to help and support, his optimism and creativity were inspiring. He understood people’s needs, their dreams, and how to talk to them. He never gave up, stood up and spoke out when needed. I will remember his love for the ocean, for his country and for life; may he rest in peace.

I first met Ziad in a webinar about marine pollution. I had just joined IUCN and was still trying to get my bearings, and he was so kind and welcoming. He'd be cracking jokes with me, and at the same time earnestly contributing to the discussion. The ocean was his passion, that much was clear. But he also seemed to approach everything with such ease and laughter. What a profound loss for the conservation community and for all who had the privilege to know him. May he rest in peace.

There was fistula, seeping in from the Red Sea Canal. There was Ziad, took me through my PADI master, diving to monitor progression, testing all possible recipes to make it attractive to fishers, passionately learning everything about it. He carried the sea and its beings in his heart and everyday life. A sore loss

Ziad was truly passionate and dedicated to helping everyone on the journey of marine conservation and environmental awareness. I haven't seen him face-to-face in a long time but, over the years, he has continued to inspire me with his work ethic and commitment to the cause, all while being humble and never taking himself too seriously. He was truly GOOD and his goodness has touched me deeply. I like to think that his spirit is now one with the sea, where he is the happiest and most peaceful.

لم يكن مجرد زميل أو صديق عابر في نطاق العمل. عشر سنوات من العمل الغير المباشر معه، لم اعرفه سوى إنسان مبتسم، نشيط، محبوب، مرح، و في نفس الوقت موهوب و ذو خصال عدة. لا يتوانى عن الكرم مع الجميع. رحل باكرا و ترك في انفسنا الاسى و اللوعة. ستبقى راسخا في ذاكرتنا ما حيينا. سلام على روحك الطاهرة

I am speechless... I met him in our workshop series on protected areas governance and management in Iran. Ziad was with us for almost ten days. In spite of that, though, it was good enough to discover his extraordinary passion, golden heart, kind manner, and collaborative nature. We, all in the workshop, loved him and ... He was an excellent person...

I met Ziad briefly during the 2016 IUCN Workshop on Governance Assessment of Protected and Conserved Areas in Iran. I still remember his contagious energy and joyfulness. I am very saddened, and shocked actually, to hear he passed away and most of all in a diving accident. My sincere condolences to colleagues, friends and family.

All I can say is the world has lost a true hero.
My self an my colleague Dan Low, met Ziad in Beruit as part of the iVMS roll out.
He was one of the most interesting and dedicated characters I have ever met.
He was a true inspiration and had the most amazing sense of humour.
A true partisan and all around good guy, he knew what he wanted and made sure he got it.
His passing brings a tear to my eye.
Rest in peace you absolute hero.
Even though he’d of hating me saying such.

Ziad ! I hope the big boss up there told you why he (or she?) called you back so early …. Better be a very good reason! We had a very long talk on Wednesday evening, less than 48 hours before you vanished in the sea…You were sharing how much you enjoyed going to this place in Tuscany where you had made friends…Surely friendly sharks and fun mermaids greeted you for this new chapter; enjoy it! You’ll be missed down here. All my heartfelt condolences to your family and close ones.

Ziad a sparkle of driving energy, positive vibes, laughter, inspiration, mobilization, hopefulness; he had a presence that could not but be felt and attracted to. Ziad, I was very happy you found your aspiration north of the Mediterranean where a realm of marine opportunities awaited! I can tell you the Artificial Reef Garden of Jounieh Bay will continue to be a celebration of marine life; we are working on sustainable fishing, and we will be supporting the new and future marine reserves.