A life woven in green: A eulogy for Mer Jah Eve
Many within the ABN community, and across the broader environmental conservation, are struck with profound grief at the news of Mere Jah Eve Jah’s passing in April. A former Board of Trustees Member of ABN and a Vice Chairperson, Mere Jah’s unwavering dedication to sustainability wasn’t merely a professional pursuit; it was a thread woven into the very fabric of her being. Her legacy extended far beyond boardrooms, leaving an indelible mark on both ABN’s route and the environmental protection of Benin.
At ABN, Mere Jah’s contributions went beyond shaping strategic direction. Her keen intellect and sharp wit were instrumental in crafting impactful policy proposals and spearheading successful advocacy campaigns at various fora. Whether championing renewable energy, agroecology policy implementation, review or formulation, or advocating for responsible resource management, Mer Jah’s commitment to these causes served as a constant source of inspiration for her colleagues, mentees and fellow environmentalists including the academia.
Mere Jah’s environmental passion extended far beyond the confines of ABN. Driven by a deep love for her home country, Benin, she co-founded and co-directed two environmental organisations: CEVASTE and ECOLOJAH. These organisations stand as a demonstration for her unwavering belief in the power of collective action anchored on foundations of living with harmony in nature sustainably. Under Mere Jah’s guidance, CEVASTE focused on empowering local communities to become stewards of their environment through sustainable practices. ECOLOJAH concentrated its efforts on protecting Benin’s endangered ecosystems through research, conservation programmes, and public education. Through her co-leadership, both organisations achieved remarkable success in establishing beside conserving a biodiverse forest and fostering sustainable agricultural practices within local communities.
Mere Jah Eve Jah was more than an accomplished environmental professional; she was a captivating matriarch. Her warmth, compassion, and infectious enthusiasm left an indelible mark on everyone she met. She possessed a rare gift: the ability to translate complex environmental issues into clear, actionable steps that inspired those around her to take ownership of the planet’s well-being.
Mere Jah’s absence leaves a gaping hole within the environmental community, but her spirit of activism continues to inspire future generations. We offer our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We continue to honour her memory by pursuing a future woven with the same threads of sustainability that Mere Jah Eve Jah so passionately championed throughout her life.
