Henri Pittier was a Swiss botanist and geographer, born on March 28, 1857, in Lausanne, Switzerland. He is best known for his extensive work in Venezuela, where he conducted significant research on the country's flora and fauna. Pittier played a crucial role in the establishment of national parks and protected areas, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity. In 1937, he became the first director of Venezuela's National Parks, helping to create the Henri Pittier National Park, which is named in his honor. His legacy includes numerous botanical studies and the introduction of various plant species to the region, making him a key figure in the field of environmental science.