In a world that is continuously being changed and developed by humans, it is easy to forget that we share our planet with a vast network of living organisms. However, the renowned primatologist, Jane Goodall, has never lost sight of this intricate connection and the importance of coexisting with other species. Goodall’s lifelong work in studying chimpanzees has led her to become an advocate for nature conservation and the need for humans to take responsibility for the impacts of our actions on the environment. In this article, we explore Goodall’s vision for a sustainable future and how she believes we can all work together to protect the world we call home.
Dr. Jane Goodall, famed biologist and conservationist, has spent over 60 years in conservation and the protection of chimpanzees and their habitat. In her latest book, “Local Voices Local Choices: The Tacare Approach to Community-Led Conservation,” she highlights the local-led approach to conservation that she and her team at the Jane Goodall Institute have taken, which empowers communities to sustainably develop while also protecting the natural environment.
The Tacare approach began in the late 1980s when Goodall flew over the Gombe National Park, observing that it was surrounded by barren hills and that the forest was being destroyed. She realized that if nothing was done to help local people find ways to make a living without destroying the environment, chimpanzees, forests, and other species would not be saved. Thus, the Tacare approach began as an effort to help local people in and around chimpanzee habitats in Tanzania to grow more food and better manage their health, education, water and land use, and family planning, among other initiatives.
Over time, the program expanded further to include the promotion of shade-grown coffee, microcredit for small businesses, and scholarships for girls to attend secondary education. Goodall’s team has also worked closely with traditional healers, showing respect and appreciation for the traditions of local communities as they work to conserve the natural environment in tandem with socioeconomic development.
Goodall has also started a youth program called Roots and Shoots, which includes students of all ages who come together to identify environmental, animal, and social issues in their communities and brainstorm solutions. The program began in 1991 and has since expanded to over 60 countries. The emphasis is squarely on empowering young people to address the biggest threats our planet faces, including climate change and loss of biodiversity.
Empowering communities and involving youth in conservation efforts is an effective approach, as it prioritizes the needs and perspectives of the people who live and work within the communities where conservation happens. This in turn creates a commitment to long-term solutions and ensures that communities will remain active in protecting their environment and ensuring a sustainable future.
