We have been so lucky

A biologist, born in Bremen, North Germany, travelled as an expert for international nature conservation for over 30 years in less well-known countries: Russia including Siberia, Middle East but also countries in Europe. His conservation work focusses on the research and protection of migratory waterbirds and their habitats in the Arctic as well as in Asia.
Again and again, he is confronted on his travels with subjects of war and peace as well as the understanding between nations and people, ranging from the last world war to the Middle East and Eastern Europe. And he realises more and more that effective nature conservation is closely linked to the peaceful resolution of conflicts, because values such as tolerance and respect for all creatures, including humans are crucial in this process.
As a member of the ‘lucky generation’, he reflects on his own life, in which he never encountered war, but rather grew up in peace and prosperity in an increasingly open and accessible world. This awareness is reinforced by listening to the stories of his parents and grandparents, who suffered enormously. Some of their stories and of their generation are also captured in this book. Such memories are contrasted with his own adventurers in Russia and elsewhere. The lively stories allow the reader to join the author during his often strenuous travels and learn about different peoples and their culture. In addition, many nature observations bring the biodiversity of these far-flung regions closer.
This book will change the way you look at the world and point to possibilities of how people can live in peaceful harmony with each other and with nature.