Jane Goodall Institute

The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) advances the vision and work of Dr. Jane Goodall to lead a movement of conservation for the common good—one that builds on our connections to each other, our fellow species, and the natural world we all share. By protecting chimpanzees, other great apes and their habitats, we encourage action to conserve the natural world, while improving the lives of people, animals and the environment. Through collective community conservation initiatives, the innovative use of science and technology, and our Roots & Shoots youth-led compassionate leadership program active in nearly 100 countries around the world, JGI turns hope into action, making Jane’s vision for a better world, a reality.

In 1960, a young British woman ventured into the forests of Gombe, Tanzania, to study chimpanzees in the wild. Equipped with a notebook, binoculars, and a fascination with wildlife, Dr. Jane Goodall braved a realm of unknowns to give the world a remarkable window into humankind’s closest living relatives. She quickly came to understand that these creatures are in danger, and when she realized that local communities were key to protecting Gombe’s chimpanzees, she pioneered community-centered conservation—an approach that recognizes the central role people play in the well-being of animals and habitat. From this discovery, perhaps just as important as her others about the true relationship between humans and the rest of the animal kingdom, the Jane Goodall Institute was born.

Today, the organization Dr. Goodall founded celebrates 40 years of trailblazing conservation and innovation. Looking forward to the next 40, we work holistically – using an awareness of the interconnectedness of all living things to fuel our efforts to make a true difference, every day. Whether it’s protecting chimpanzees and restoring critical habitat with the latest technology, improving women’s health in our program countries, empowering local people to create positive change in their communities, or mobilizing a generation of conservation leaders, we always find ways to make the greatest impact for people, animals and the environment. By combining the most cutting edge technology with compassion for all living things, we advance conservation where it’s needed most.

The Jane Goodall Institute helps one success lead to another as we build on the impact we’re making together: protecting 3.4 million acres in Africa with our Conservation Action Plans to save chimpanzees, a keystone species, and others from extinction; providing 309 girls scholarships, improving health resources, and providing peer education for 600 women and girls; cultivating local livelihoods in harmony with nature in 130 communities; and instilling a sense of the power of individual action through advocacy and over 5,800 Roots & Shoots projects around the globe. These numbers and initiatives are only growing. Together with the support of passionate individuals and partners around the world, JGI is building a brighter tomorrow and beyond for all life on earth.

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