EuroNatur mourns the loss of biodiversity researcher Josef Settele
“We know so much, but so little is happening. Finding ways to be heard in public, and in politics, is crucial. The main goal is to spread the information and enable decision-makers to act with a solid foundation.” This was how the world-renowned ecologist and agricultural biologist, Professor Josef Settele, responded when we asked him why he was so passionately committed to the World Biodiversity Council IBPES.
Prof. Josef Settele passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on 9 October 2026 at the age of 65. With his passing, biodiversity research loses not only an outstanding scientist who always kept the bigger picture in mind, but also a unique voice who bridged the gap between research, politics and the public. One of his greatest achievements was to draw greater attention to the dramatic loss of biodiversity. As one of the three coordinating lead authors, Josef Settele, together with numerous other researchers from the World Biodiversity Council (IPBES), did groundbreaking work: The researchers have compiled, evaluated and
interlinked all the knowledge that exists on the subject of biodiversity. On this basis, they have succeeded in designing scenarios for the future and in identifying tangible ways of living in harmony with nature. They do this on a voluntary basis, driven by a motivation that goes far beyond their personal interests. In 2021, the more than 1,000 researchers at IPBES were awarded the EuroNatur Award for their work; Prof. Josef Settele accepted the award on their behalf on the island of Mainau on Lake Constance, together with his colleagues Eszter Kelemen and Yunne-Jai Shin.
EuroNatur President Prof. Dr Thomas Potthast says: “My colleague Josef ‘Sepp’ Settele has demonstrated in an encouraging way how it is possible to remain scientifically independent and transparent whilst at the same time clearly committing oneself to the conservation and protection of biodiversity.” At the same time, with Sepp’s passing, we are losing someone who was always approachable, friendly and full of humour. His passing leaves a painful emptiness. His message remains: we must act NOW to stop the loss of biodiversity. Josef Settele’s latest book captures the outlook on life of a man who has always remained true to himself: ‘No Time for Pessimism’.
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