Renowned conservationist to speak in Dubai
dubai — Jane Goodall, a legendary conservationist known for her life’s work on chimpanzees, is coming to Dubai and will be speaking at an event on January 19.
At the ‘Reasons for Hope’ event hosted by the Emirates Literature Foundation (ELF), Goodall will not only talk about her groundbreaking studies on wild chimpanzees and the environment, she will also discuss her educational project in the UAE called ‘Roots and Shoots’.
Goodall said: “As I travel nearly 300 days per year on a perpetual world speaking tour, it is important for me to remind communities about the importance of education in creating lasting, positive change for the earth, its animals, and all its people.
“For the last five years with startup support from the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency, we have been able to establish a successful programme in 100 schools across the UAE, predominantly in Abu Dhabi. One of my wishes for my on-going legacy is the establishment of Roots and Shoots in all emirates.
“I do believe in the possibility of a world where we can live in harmony with nature but only if each one of us does our part to make that world a reality.”
Her Dubai talk will feature topics like the future of wild animals, the threats they face, and the battle against illegal trade in ivory and rhino horn. She will also be sharing the highlights of her career, the work of her group at the Jane Goodall Institute, some of her unique experiences on the field, as well as her candid thoughts on the future of conservation.
A multiawarded researcher and author of many acclaimed books including the bestseller Reason for Hope, Goodall said she has been drawing hope from all the young people who get involved in making the world a better place.
Tara Golshan, executive director for education at the Jane Goodall Institute, said: “Around 100,000 young people are now engaged with Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots programme in the UAE. It encourages them to implement practical
positive change for people, animals and the environment.”
Isobel Abulhoul, OBE, CEO and trustee of ELF, said: “I can’t think of a better speaker or a more worthy topic to kick off our calendar of events for the new year. We know that bringing together the authors and topics that matter the most with our uniquely diverse community has far reaching consequences, from improving individual lives to bettering our collective understanding of the world.”
I do believe in the possibility of a world where we can live in harmony with nature but only if each one of us does our part to make that world a reality.” Jane Goodall, multiawarded conservationist, primatologist and author