World-renowned Ethologist, Conservationist and activist, Dr Jane Goodall, will this August, 2023, visit Uganda.
Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, a UN Messenger of Peace and the Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), a global science-driven NGO founded in 1977 that advances innovative thought leadership on community-led conservation, science, habitat protection, advocacy, animal welfare, and youth empowerment, will visit Uganda from August 20-25, 2023.
Her visit to the Pearl of Africa has been anticipated to be a momentous occasion, where she will meet key partners in conservation, and rally for support to the different conservation campaigns.
Dr. Jane Goodall is known for groundbreaking studies of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania, which forever redefined the understanding of the relationship between humans and other animals.
Her transformative research continues today as the longest-running wild chimpanzee study in the world.
Jane’s work builds on scientific innovations, growing a lifetime of advocacy including trailblazing efforts through her GDI Goodall which advances community-led conservation, animal welfare, science, and youth empowerment through JGI’s Roots & Shoots program.
According to James Byamukama, the Executive Director of GDI, Goodall will be visiting Uganda to connect with national audiences, spreading hope and turning it into a meaningful positive impact to create a better world for people, other animals, and the planet.
He revealed that throughout her visit, Dr. Jane Goodall will engage with key stakeholders, government officials, diplomatic representatives, private sector partners, and local communities especially, sharing her profound insights and experiences in wildlife conservation and the urgent need for nature-based solutions for coexistence.
“Her visit has brought us all, she is a living legend, and a loved person. One of the things we expect is she will rally all the development partners and the citizens to make a contribution to the conservation efforts. We are sure that when Jane talks to them, they will hear, listen and react to her calls,” said James Byamukama.
She will hold a public lecture at Sheraton Conference Centre under the theme, “The emerging high levels of deforestation in major chimpanzee habitats occasioned by the extensive commercial development.”
The event will showcase presentations from Roots & Shoots schools, panel discussions, and a moderated Q&A session.
“Dr. Goodall’s message will resonate deeply with audiences, inspiring action and collaboration toward safeguarding our planet for future generations,” he said, adding, later, she will also attend the Celebrations of Ngamba @25 Years, a sanctuary she was at the centre of its establishment in 1998.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary has been at the forefront of chimpanzee conservation efforts, providing a safe haven for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees.
Over the past 25 years, the sanctuary has played a pivotal role in the rehabilitation, care, and welfare of these incredible primates.
Its 25th-anniversary celebrations aim to raise awareness about the importance of conserving chimpanzees and their natural habitats. The theme for this celebration is “Partnerships for co-existence, to promote the need for humans and wildlife to live in harmony in shared environments”.
She will also preside over the launch of the JGI Roots & Shoots Uganda offices at Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, and the launch of the Chimpanzee Conservation Action Plan, (2023-33).
Dr. Joshua Rukundo, the Executive Director of Chimpanzee Trust, said Goodall’s visit to Uganda holds particular significance as she was instrumental in founding the Jane Goodall Institute and Chimpanzee Trust, both of which have been crucial in spearheading conservation efforts here in Uganda.
He invited conservation enthusiasts, students, and the public to join in celebrating Dr. Jane Goodall’s visit to Uganda.
Who is Dr Jane Goodall?
She is an activist inspiring greater understanding and action on behalf of the natural world.
Through her tireless advocacy to create a better future for people, other animals, and the planet we share, Dr. Goodall inspires millions of people with her message of hope through action.
She is best known for groundbreaking studies of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania, transformative research continued by the Jane Goodall Institute which is now the longest running wild chimpanzee study in the world.
Jane was born on April 3, 1934, in London, England. From earliest childhood, she was fascinated by animals and the wildlife of Africa she discovered in the storybooks of Tarzan and Dr. Doolittle.
In 1957, she followed her dream and travelled to the Kenyan farm of a friend’s parents where she met the famed paleoanthropologist Dr. Louis Leakey.
In 1960, at his invitation, she began her landmark study of chimpanzee behaviour in what is now Tanzania.
Her field research at what was then called Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve led to her astounding observations that chimpanzees make and use tools, which revolutionized the world of primatology and redefined the relationship between humans and the rest of the animal kingdom.
In 1977, Dr. Goodall established the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) to advance her vision around the world and for generations to come.
Prior to the Pandemic, she travelled on average 300 days per year, speaking about the threats facing chimpanzees, other environmental crises, and her reasons for hope.
Dr. Goodall is the author of numerous books that have engaged an international readership. Her newest book, “The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times,” was published in 2021.
She is a global icon and the recipient of many honours, most recently receiving the esteemed Templeton Prize in 2021.
Her other honours include the Medal of Tanzania, the National Geographic Society’s Hubbard Medal, Japan’s prestigious Kyoto Prize, the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Life Science, the UNESCO 60th Anniversary Medal, and the Gandhi/King Award for Nonviolence. In April 2002, Secretary General Kofi Annan named Dr. Goodall a United Nations Messenger of Peace.
In a 2004 ceremony at Buckingham Palace, she became a Dame Commander of the British Empire. In 2006, she received France’s highest recognition, the Legion of Honor.