Goulandris, Niki (1925–)
Goulandris, Niki (1925–)
Greek botanical artist and conservationist. Name variations: Niki Kephalia. Born Niki Kephalia in 1925 in Greece; Athens University, MA, 1951; m. Angelos Goulandris.
Recognized for conservation efforts and for botanical illustrations, founded the Goulandris Natural History Museum at Kifissia, near Athens, with husband (1965), becoming its president (1996); illustrated such books as Wild Flowers of Greece (1968, by C. Goulimis and W.T. Stearn) and Peonies of Greece (by Stearn and P.H. Davies); painted over 800 Greek indigenous plants; served as Greece's deputy minister for Social Services (1974–75), deputy president of Hellenic Radio and Television (1975–81), deputy president of the National Tourism Organization of Greece (1989–91), and president of the Save the Children Association in Greece (1980); served as a British Linnean Academy member; was a member of the 12-member UN Commission for Culture and Development (1993–96) and nominated for the UN's secretary general position (1992). Honors include United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Global 500 Award (1990), Woman of Europe award (1991, given jointly by European Parliament, European Commission, and European Movement), Academy of Athens Award, and France's Légion d'Honneur.