The International Water Association is saddened by the news of the passing of Professor Norihito Tambo, an IWA Past President and Professor Emeritus, Hokkaido University, Japan.

Professor Tambo was a thought leader in the water sector in Japan and globally and a leading light within IWA. He played a key role in the merger of the International Association on Water Quality and the International Water Services Association to form IWA in 1999. During this period, he was Vice President of IWSA and then IWA, serving as IWA President from 2001 to 2003. His leadership helped shape the direction of the organisation at this important time.

Professor Tambo continued to help build IWA’s activity and presence in the broad Asia region over subsequent years. He paved the way for a decade of strong Japanese support for IWA following the merger, including establishing joint IWA-Japan Water Works Association workshops. He contributed to the success of the World Water Congress & Exhibition held in Beijing, China, in 2007. Professor Tambo was also instrumental in the creation of IWA’s ASPIRE regional group and conference series. He was appointed Distinguished Fellow Emeritus of IWA in 2014.

An expert on water and wastewater treatment, Professor Tambo made outstanding contributions in water system design and water quality benchmarking. He was extensively published and contributed as author or co-author to over 200 publications. Professor Tambo was also a pioneer in environmental engineering education in Japan and was the first President of the Japanese Environmental Professors’ Association. He also served as President of Japan Society of Civil Engineers and Vice-President of Japan Water Forum.

Professor Tambo embodied the essence of IWA in his humanity and selflessness, and through being a mentor and an inspiration to many around the globe.

Professor Tambo passed away in Sapporo, Japan on 6 August, at the age of 90.