Farewell to Fulco Pratesi, Founder of WWF Italy: A Life Dedicated to Nature and Italian Environmentalism
On the night between February 28 and March 1, 2025, Fulco Pratesi, the founder and honorary president of WWF Italy, passed away at the age of 90 after spending ten days hospitalized at a clinic in Rome. The world of Italian environmentalism mourns the loss of one of its pioneers, who dedicated his life to biodiversity protection and raising awareness of environmental issues.
Born in Rome in 1934, Pratesi's childhood was marked by his experiences in the Viterbo countryside, where he developed his lifelong connection with nature. Initially enamored with hunting, his perspective dramatically shifted on one fateful trip to the forests of Anatolia, Turkey, where he encountered a bear and her three cubs. This "dazzling" experience, as he described it, changed everything, leading him to reflect on the value of animal life and the need for its protection. Upon returning to Italy, he sold his hunting rifle and purchased a camera to capture the beauty of nature without harming it.
Recognizing the foundation of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Switzerland, Pratesi was inspired to start the Italian branch of the organization. With limited funds but boundless enthusiasm, he established WWF Italy in 1966. Under his leadership, the organization became instrumental within the Italian environmental movement, advocating fiercely for wildlife conservation and the protection of ecosystems. His efforts contributed to the enactment of significant environmental laws, such as Law 157 for wildlife protection and the framework law on protected areas established in 1991.
Pratesi's legacy includes the establishment of over 100 WWF Oases—nature reserves acting as safe havens for countless animal and plant species. These protected spaces stand as testaments to his unwavering commitment to conservation.
Alongside his environmental work, Pratesi was also known for his contributions to journalism and politics. He served as the editor-in-chief of the magazine Panda, WWF Italy's official publication, where his articles and illustrations raised environmental awareness among many. His political career flourished from 1995 to 1997 when he served as a member of parliament with the Greens, using this position to advocate for sustainability initiatives and environmental legislation.
Upon hearing the news of his death, WWF Italy issued heartfelt condolences. "Architect, journalist, author, designer, founder of WWF Italy of which he was president for a long time, as well as a living example of active environmentalism, Fulco Pratesi was the guide for an entire generation of naturalists," the statement read, extending sympathies to Pratesi's family: his four children, Isabella, Carlo Alberto, Francesco, and Olympia, as well as his grandchildren.
The impact of Pratesi's life extended beyond his immediate family. Luciano Di Tizio, the president of WWF Italy, recalled his deep love for both his family and the organization: "He loved his family deeply and he loved nature and the WWF with a deep love, 'my fifth son,' as he himself defined us." Similarly, Alessandra Prampolini, the general director of WWF Italy, emphasized the nostalgia many feel for Pratesi’s influence, stating, "If the entire WWF is, in some way, Fulco's child, for many of us, he was part of our childhood memories, with his letters and drawings telling of wonderful animals and places."
The Italian political arena also recognized Pratesi's contributions. Leaders from various parties—including Elly Schlein, the leader of the Democratic Party, and Giuseppe Conte from the 5-Star Movement—honored Pratesi's trailblazing role. Schlein remarked, "Today, more than ever, Pratesi's legacy is important," highlighting the lasting relevance of his work in modern environmentalism. Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto praised Pratesi for his sensitivity during challenging times, stating he showed great sensibility and commitment to environmental protection. Meanwhile, Michela Vittoria Brambilla, the president of the Italian League for the Defense of Animals and the Environment, noted, "Pratesi was an example for those who want to protect the Earth and contributed to creating an environmental and pro-animal culture."
Pratesi's recognition spanned beyond politics and activism; he was acknowledged by the academic community as well. Notably, the University of Palermo awarded him the honorary doctorate in Biodiversity and Environmental Biology, acknowledging his significant contributions to environmental science and activism.
Despite his passing, Fulco Pratesi leaves behind such an immense legacy shadowed by his passion for nature. Through his work, he cultivated ecological awareness among millions of Italians, with the WWF Oases, national parks, and conservation laws standing as monuments to his life's endeavors. While the world may have lost one of its greatest environmental champions, his influence will resonate for generations to come.