Mario Giacomelli

By the age of six, Jean-Noël Rieffel was already fascinated by nature, particularly birds. For more than thirty years, he has been observing them, continually marveling at their beauty while deepening his understanding of their behavior. He now lives near Orléans, on the banks of the Loire, a pathway for migratory birds. He holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine and has been at the helm of the Office français de la biodiversité (French Biodiversity Office) in the Centre-Val de Loire region since 2020. He is also the author of two books in which he reflects on his love of birds and the poetry they evoke. With his publications and media appearances, he strives to make the secrets of birds accessible to as many people as possible while raising awareness of current biodiversity conservation issues. He recommends taking time to appreciate the beauty around us, believing it vital for reconnecting with an awareness of living things and cultivating the wild spirit he treasures.