Authorities in France and Switzerland are carrying out an urgent search for Tessa Goverse, a colleague with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), who has been missing since Saturday, June 20, after reportedly going hiking in the Salève mountain area near Geneva.
According to information released by UNEP, Goverse had traveled from Nairobi, Kenya, to Geneva on an official assignment and was present at the International Environment House on Friday, June 19. She is believed to have set out for a hike in the Salève region on Saturday morning but did not return to her hotel and has not been reachable since.
French and Swiss authorities are coordinating the ongoing search operation, working alongside the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS). Specialized mountain rescue units, including the Peloton de Gendarmerie de Haute Montagne, have been deployed to assist in locating her in the challenging alpine terrain.
The disappearance has triggered serious concern among colleagues, friends, and international partners. Officials have issued public appeals for any information that could assist in the search, particularly from individuals who may have been in the Salève area on the day she went missing.
Family members and colleagues are anxiously awaiting updates as search efforts continue. Messages of support and concern have circulated widely, reflecting hope for her safe recovery as teams intensify their operations across the region.
Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact emergency services immediately by dialing 112 in France or 117 in Switzerland.
The search for Tessa Goverse remains active and ongoing, with rescue teams continuing to follow all available leads in an effort to locate her safely.