Antonio Thomén Acevedo, Dominican ecology pioneer, dies at 93

Antonio Thomén Acevedo, widely regarded as the father of ecology in the Dominican Republic, has passed away at the age of 93. A lawyer, diplomat, and writer, Thomén Acevedo was a pioneer of the Dominican conservationist movement.

In 1978, he co-founded the Dominican Institute of Bioconservation (Instituto Dominicano de Bioconservación) alongside prominent researchers to promote the protection of the nation's biodiversity. He also served as the executive director of the National Commission for the Environment.

The Academy of Sciences of the Dominican Republic expressed its condolences, highlighting his professional and intellectual legacy. In June 2023, the Academy had honored him with the 'Laudatio Académica', its highest distinction, in recognition of his significant contributions to environmental conservation.