Renowned world ethologist and anthropologist, Dr. Jane Goodall, has called for coordinated efforts by conservationists in Uganda to protect the environment if endangered Chimpanzees and other wildlife are to be saved from extinction.
She made the remarks during a public lecture held in Kampala under the theme of partnerships for co-existence.
Chimpanzees in Uganda and around the world are endangered and their existence is threatened by different factors, the key being the continued destruction of their habitats and human-wildlife conflicts among others.
The population of chimpanzees in Africa has dwindled drastically over the years, from 2 million in 1900 to a mere 135,000 today. In Uganda, the population stands at approximately 5,000, according to the most recent census.
Dr Goodall says it’s high time efforts are harmonized as the world has reached the tipping point. She noted that protecting the environment isn’t just for wildlife, saying this is the right time to actualize these efforts.
However, she revealed that the loss of biodiversity and the effects of climate change can be slowed down.
“Think what COVID did to us societies around the world. It caused so much loss of jobs, loss of life disruption of social services, we don’t want more we must start respecting animals. We must stop treating them as mere things mere objects that we can do what we like when we stand at crossroads,” she said.
In his remarks, Tom Butiime the Minister for Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities said the reality of deforestation unfolding in the major chimpanzee habitats, being ravaged by the forces of human progress is devastating and casts a shadow of uncertainty.
Goodall is on a visit to the Pearl of Africa, she arrived in Uganda at Airport on August 20, 2023, and her visit is scheduled to last until August 25.
Before the global pandemic, Dr Goodall would spend approximately 300 days each year travelling and speaking about her conservation efforts.
Her influence has inspired positive and significant changes worldwide, leading to the protection of endangered species such as the giant panda, the Bengal tiger, and the chimpanzee.
Goodall’s trip to Uganda conceives with the Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary’s 25th anniversary. She was crucial in the establishment of the sanctuary in 1998. The event is highly anticipated by both the organization and the local community.
