Botanist Francis Hallé died on December 31, 2025, in Montpellier, at the age of 87, announced the association he founded for the protection of primary forests. A former professor at the University of Montpellier , the scientist enjoyed international recognition for his work on tropical forest ecosystems.
A pioneer in canopy exploration
A specialist in primary forests, Francis Hallé dedicated his career to the study of trees and raising public awareness of their fragility. He is particularly known for having conceived the "Raft of the Canopies," an innovative device for exploring the canopy, used in numerous scientific expeditions around the world.
Having lived in Montpellier for several decades, he taught botany there for nearly thirty years. His commitment continued after his academic career, through lectures, books and documentary films, including Il était une forêt , released in 2012.
Founded in 2018, the Francis Hallé Association for Primary Forests is now pursuing its final major objective: to promote the regeneration of primary forests in Western Europe. The foundation paid tribute to the memory of a "great explorer of the living world," while the City of Montpellier announced that a public memorial service would be held in his honor.
