The management and staff of WorldFish and the broader CGIAR system are deeply saddened to hear the news of Professor Dr. Ayman Anwar Ammar’s passing. Ammar was a member of WorldFish’s Board of Trustees.
“Professor Ammar will be remembered for the unwavering support he always rendered towards the progress of WorldFish through his various invaluable contributions to our Board deliberations,” said Professor Baba Yusuf Abubakar, Chair of the WorldFish Board of Trustees.
“His role as a bridge builder was unquestionable, particularly in consolidating the good relationship between WorldFish and the Egyptian Government. He will be sorely missed by all of us and we convey our deep condolences to his family,” added Abubakar.
In a career spanning more than 40 years, Ammar had extensive knowledge of aquaculture techniques, especially in improving fish productivity. He was a professor and subsequently a director at the Central Laboratory for Aquaculture Research (CLAR) in Egypt. He also served as chairman of the General Authority for Fish Resources Development (GAFRD).
“I am shocked and saddened by the news of the untimely passing of Professor Ammar – a respected scientist and leader, deeply committed to the mission to achieve lasting, sustainable food security for all,” said Dr. Marco Ferroni, Chair of the CGIAR System Board.
“On behalf of the entire CGIAR family, my thoughts and prayers go out to Professor Ammar’s family and loved ones as we pay silent respect to the memory of a great colleague and friend,” added Ferroni who is also a member of the WorldFish Board of Trustees.
In addition to being actively involved in several governmental institutions in Egypt, Ammar was also a consultant for many private sector firms. He leaves an indelible legacy and will remain an inspiration to the many that had the pleasure of knowing him, both in a professional and personal capacity.
“Professor Ammar was an extremely knowledgeable and yet humble individual with a burning passion for a sustainable aquaculture that delivered benefits to small-scale producers in Egypt and beyond. We will honor his legacy by continuing our work to transform aquatic food systems for healthy people and planet,” said Dr. Essam Yassin Mohammed, WorldFish’s Interim Director General.
“In many ways, Professor Ammar was a compass, always pointing to those actions that were necessary, just and not always easy – whether it was in strategizing to position WorldFish or strengthen its relevance in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century - ending hunger under a changing climate,” added Mohammed, who is also CGIAR Acting Senior Director of Aquatic Food Systems.
With the Ministry of Agriculture, Ammar was a member in the committee overseeing the development of Egyptian lakes. Ammar was also a member of the permanent committee that determines the promotion of researchers in the field of fish production.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Ammar. His unique expertise was of immense value to global research in climate-smart aquatic food systems and his dedication to the people we serve was unsurpassed," said Aly Abousabaa, ICARDA Director General.
"His loss will be felt not just at CGIAR but across research partners and communities throughout the globe. My condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues,” added Abousabaa, who is also CGIAR Regional Director for Central and West Asia and North Africa (CWANA).
In recent years, he contributed his expertise to projects under the African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), including the African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET) and the Enhancing sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture development in Africa (FishGov2) initiatives.
“Professor Ammar was appointed to several high-level science committees at national and regional levels to improve research in aquatic food systems,” shared Dr. Ahmed Nasr-Allah, country director for WorldFish in Egypt.
“He contributed significantly to the aquaculture development in Egypt through innovative research and development to improve the performance of aquatic food systems. While he was the chair of GAFRD, he directed his energy and attention to bolstering the productivity of aquatic food producers in the country,” added Nasr-Allah.
Professor Ayman is survived by his wife and his two sons.
On behalf of the WorldFish staff, its board of trustees and leadership team, we offer his family our deepest condolences and sympathy at this difficult time.
