Dr. Jane Goodall’s Message for Earth Day 2022.

Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace shares her message for Earth Day 2022.

As we face existential crises, Jane shares her deep commitment to the power of hope and all we can do as individuals and collectively to make a difference for people, other animals, and the planet we share. Today and every day, let us rebuild our connections to the natural world – for as Jane shares – we are a part of it and have a responsibility to protect it:-

Hello, today is Earth Day. It’s a day to think about the planet, Mother Earth.

I’m sure that all of you have seen photos of planet earth shot from space. A small, green and blue globe surrounded by the cold, black immensity of space.

What is so wonderful about this little planet of ours is that during the millions of years of evolution, it supports such a rich variety of life forms.

From microscopic bacteria and algae to whale and elephants and the giant redwoods. There are some species that live in the earth, such as earthworms and naked mole-rats. Others that fly, like butterflies and beetles and birds and bats. Some spend all or almost all their time in the trees, like sloths and galagos and spider monkeys. Some move ever so slowly across the land, like tortoises, while others like cheetahs can run really fast.

Then there are all those who spend their entire lives in the water, the corals and fish and whales, whilst others like otters and penguins spend time on land but are really good swimmers. Then, think about the hundreds and thousands of plants and trees and fungi and ferns.

What an amazing tapestry of living things.

We, humans, are just one species. But oh dear, our footprint on the planet is gigantic.

This wasn’t so all those years ago when we were just hunter-gatherers, but the one difference between us and all the other creatures is that we developed an oversized brain, probably because we have no natural defences and we had to compete with fears, predators that roamed the country back then.

From that time on, we had an increasing advantage over other animals. Then came the agricultural revolution, and humans were able to settle in one place, and populations began to grow.

Next came the industrial revolution. From then on, our impact has become ever more destructive.

You all know the problems we face today. These include climate change, loss of biodiversity, and of course, the COVID pandemic.

Well, we only have ourselves to blame because, for years, humans have shown so little respect for the natural world and animals.

We’ve destroyed forests and other ecosystems. We’ve polluted land, air, and water with agricultural, industrial, and household waste, much of it full of toxic chemicals.

We’ve burned increasing amounts of fossil fuel. This has created massive amounts of the most prevalent greenhouse gas, CO2. It’s those gases that form a blanket around the globe, trapping the heat of the sun, leading to global warming.

We’ve killed wild animals for food, clothing, pets, and sport. Yes, sport. Traffic them around the world, crowded wild animals into tiny unhygienic spaces in wildlife markets, and crowded domestic animals into horrendous factory farms. All these have created conditions that make it relatively easy for a pathogen, such as a virus, to spillover from an animal to a person, where it may create a new disease, such as COVID-19.

I cannot send out this message without reference to put into war in Ukraine. The scale of human and animals suffering is horrendous and heartbreaking. Think also of the harm to the environment caused by the emissions from tanks and planes and bombs and all the rest of it.

Today, Earth Day, is a time for all of us to think about how we, as individuals, can help this precious blue and green planet. What each one of us can do to help.

Today, more people are aware how everything is interconnected, and that we need to alleviate poverty. Because the poor will destroy the environment just to create more cleared land for growing food or making money from charcoal or timber, buy the cheapest food because they can’t afford other options.

But, it’s cheap because of unfair wages or horrible cruelty to animals.

We need to reduce the unsustainable lifestyles of the rest of us and learn to recycle and reuse.

We must, through consumer pressure, persuade businesses to operate in ways that are socially and environmentally ethical, rather than carry on with business as usual.

More people are beginning to understand that long-term protection of the environment and indigenous cultures is more important than short-term profit.

We must do anything we can to encourage our governments to heal the widening gap between the haves and the have nots because this inequality leads to violence and hatred. On this day, we should think about the communities of plants and animals with whom we share or should share the planet, and all that we have done to harm them.

More importantly, let’s think about what we can do to protect and restore.

The Jane Goodall Institutes around the world are working to protect chimps and other wildlife and environments. Also, helping local disadvantaged communities to find ways of living without destroying their environment. Then giving them the tools to monitor and protect the health of the natural world around them.

They understand that this is not only to protect biodiversity and wildlife, but for their own future, so they become our partners in conservation. More people are understanding the One Health idea. That our human health is closely related to the health of the local environment and that of the wild and domestic animals who live there.

We all depend on the health of all.

Our Roots & Shoots members, hundreds and thousands of them of all ages, in over 60 countries, are working on projects of their choice to make the world better for this interconnected world. People, animals, and the environment.

I think there will be a lot of tree planting and programs to restore and protect forests around the world. Many people will be volunteering in shelters for homeless animals, doing projects to raise money for a whole variety of causes.

Some people are determined to move towards a plant-based diet. Some are supporting restorative agriculture, permaculture, and so on.

Around the globe, there will be prayers for the suffering of the Ukrainians and all the other suffering underprivileged people, and for the animals around the world. There’ll be volunteers rolling up their sleeves and helping where they can.

Although the overall picture seems overwhelmingly grim, that simply means we must all get together, roll up our sleeves, and each do our bit to help heal our planet. We must get together now before it’s utterly too late.

There’s one thing I want to beg of everyone who watches this. Don’t help planet earth on this one Earth Day only. It is so important to do something to help every day, even the smallest things.

Don’t forget that millions of small things cumulatively lead to major change.

Finally, do let us know what you do for Earth Day and your plans to make every day Earth Day.
So that we can share the cumulative benefits of everything that we do with our community.

Thank you all, and have a productive and wonderful Earth Day.

Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Congo:
Meet a Jane Goodall Institute care giver

Care Givers are vital in the fight to end poaching and protect endangered chimpanzees. Tchimpounga only exists thanks to their patience, kindness and love. Meet Antonette a very special team member who’s healed hundreds of chimps.

Rescued chimps are stolen from their mothers by poachers, often witness terrible violence and are forced to live in tiny cages with little food. This means the young orphan is in terrible physical and emotional condition on arrival at the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre.

These tiny infants share 98% of their DNA with humans, so need urgent care to recover from their disturbing ordeal. This is where the Jane Goodall Institute’s (JGI) incredible local staff step in – especially our brilliant, gifted chimpanzee caregivers.

The VIPs behind the scenes

Tchimpounga would not exist without chimpanzee carers like Antonette. Her dedication and kindness enables the Jane Goodall Institute to give rescued endangered chimps the second chance they deserve. Antonette can only continue her vital work thanks to our generous monthly donors. Together, Chimp Guardians like you from all across the world help make that happen.

Orphan JeJe and his caregiver Antonette at the JGI’s Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in the Republic of Congo.

Introducing Antonette

Chimpanzees, like human children, have a long development period and often rely on their mothers until the age of eight or older. They are helpless for six months, dependent on their mothers for two years, and still cling until at least four years old.

When stolen chimps are traumatically torn from their mothers Antonette acts as their surrogate mother. Antonette devotes 24-hour care and affection to these babies when they arrive. Her goal is to make the baby chimpanzee feel protected, safe, and loved, as this early period is crucial for their psychological development. It has been a powerful journey for Antonette, and she has cared for a great many rescued orphans over the years.

ADOPT A CHIMPANZEE

Caring through civil war

The Republic of the Congo’s capital of Brazzaville saw tremendous violence during the civil war. At the Brazzaville Zoo, where caregivers from the Aspinall Foundation cared for baby gorillas, both humans and animals were not safe. Therefore the Aspinall Foundation decided to move them to the Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga Centre to be secure away from the ongoing conflict.

Local resident Antonette was selected by the foundation given her experience to became one of the caregivers. She boldly took on the responsibility of caring for five infant gorillas during the war. With Anonette’s care and commitment to the infant gorillas they survived and were sent to a safe sanctuary to live out their lives in harmony.

Shortly after the war ended, Tchimpounga staff offered her a chimpanzee caregiver job at Tchimpounga, where she has been ever since.

Ebelle is a baby that arrived at Tchimpounga from a small village close to Imphondo city. He was kept as a pet.

Saving a species, one day at a time

A typical work day for Antonette looks very different to many of ours. Her offices are enclosures and forests, her commute is by boat along the Kouilou River and her colleagues include the 140 rescued chimpanzees that rely on her care!

A carer’s day starts with giving the chimps their first meal. For Antonette, looking after Tchimpounga’s youngest orphans, this means bottles of baby formula. 

Antonette found that caring for chimpanzee babies was very similar to caring for gorilla babies. She is a natural. In some ways, she realised, it’s like caring for human babies. Each one needs love, care and attention. Antonette shows patience to help them succeed, guides them to be their best, and ensures they grow up to be healthy, strong, social members of their integrated chimpanzee communities.

Providing a constant sense of love and protection is crucial to the babies’ rehabilitation. Antonette knows that through patience and love she can help the babies be their best. During her many years at Tchimpounga she’s nurtured some of our most traumatised chimps back to health and watched them grow to be strong, socially integrated members of their communities. 

Donate to Tchimpounga

Healing the horrors of poaching

For Antonette her job never stops. Many of the babies come to Tchimpounga anxious and afraid after being violently torn from their mothers as a result of poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking. To help them overcome their deep trauma and suffering, 

Antonette fully embraces her surrogate mother role, dedicating herself to providing round the clock care, just as she did with her own children. This includes sleeping with the infant chimps and waking throughout the night for feedings. 

George, Vienna, Kabi and Tina with JGI caregiver Antonette.

Eat, play, sleep, repeat

Once the chimps have had their fill of food they’re free to relax, play and explore. Antonette escorts the babies to a nearby forest where they can safely climb the trees, splash in the streams and taste the plants under her doting eye.

Providing a constant sense of love and protection is crucial to the babies’ rehabilitation. During her many years at Tchimpounga she’s nurtured some of our most traumatised chimps back to full health.

For Antonette her job never stops. Many of the babies come to Tchimpounga anxious and afraid. To help them overcome their deep trauma and suffering,

Antonette fully embraces her surrogate mother role, dedicating herself to providing round the clock care, just as she did with her own children. This includes sleeping with the infant chimps and waking throughout the night for feedings.

With each chimpanzee, Antonette witnesses the terror and depression they arrive with disappear. This transformation has everything to do with her love, which transcends species.

How you can help

Our Chimp Guardian monthly donors fund the tireless efforts of super heroes like Antonette, who devote themselves to healing Tchimpounga’s rescued chimps. By becoming better informed and taking action through a donation to the Jane Goodall Institute together we can secure a future where wildlife can thrive, forests can return and chimpanzees are no longer endangered.

It’s only thanks to people like you that Antonette’s work is possible: we are so grateful to our Chimp Guardians for their continued, generous support!

Become a Chimp Guardian today


See for yourself below the connection Antonette has with Anzac, and all the other Tchimpounga infants who think of her as Mum:

Celebrate International Women’s Day: Meet Vineeta Gupta

Our famous founder is one of many bold, brilliant, game-changing women at the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI). From the youngest Roots & Shoots members to our global CEO, we are very lucky to have countless curious, compassionate female leaders among us. All courageously committed to creating hope in their communities for the future of our interconnected earth.

Here in Australia we have some particularly inspiring local legends. As we celebrate International Women’s Day together with our global family, this week we will showcase five of them – all tirelessly working towards this year’s theme to #BreakTheBias for a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world. (We could easily have made it fifty).

From leading-edge scientists to social-justice campaigners, global law-transformers to political powerhouses, we hope you are as inspired reading about them – as we are working with them. So, let’s begin.

Vineeta Gupta: Microbiologist, Climate Leader, Campaigner & Organiser 

Vineeta, or Vini, is vital in growing our Roots & Shoots youth empowerment program across Australia.

Currently the State Coordinator for Tasmania, Vini is growing our movement down south to build a community of young, empowered change makers of hope. 100% voluntarily, she’s driven by her own deep passion for environmentalism, alongside studying Microbiology at the University of Tasmania, working as a researcher and campaigning with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition plus she’s Climate Reality Leader.

Previously Vini was part of our dynamic National Youth Leadership Council training program. Every year we recruit a collective of incredible young people to learn skills, gain confidence, build networks and develop direction as future environmental leaders. As an engaged, enterprising member she was offered the long-term oppurtunitiy to build Roots & Shoots in Tasmania.

Empower more young women like Vini: donate today >>

Vini has a keen interest in the cross-pollination of environmental advocacy with social justice, particularly the intersectional relationships between the environmental crisis and social inequality. In less than a year she helped host film festivals, co-developed the wellbeing program Return To Nature, increased the number of grants for Roots & Shoots projects and is now leading an ambitious advocacy campaign raising awareness about destructive Fast Fashion impacts – on animals, people and environment.

She believes that our environment is an integral part of our social well-being, and that we must do everything we can to conserve it. On days she hopes to inspire people in the same way as Dr Jane some day.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? And why do you think it’s important?

Vini and a colleague carrying out research as part of her Microbiology major at University of Tasmania
Vini and a colleague carrying out research as part of her Microbiology major at University of Tasmania

International Women’s Day is a time of celebrating the women of our planet and letting them know that ‘they are enough’. You don’t have to be a CEO or martial arts black belt to be a strong, independent woman. You are all you ever need to be.

It’s a time to celebrate the achievements women have made around the world, starting with acknowledging our own. We often forget how important we are as individuals.

Yet, it is also a time to acknowledge that gender inequality is not something of the past. Regardless of where you live or what you do, whether you’re a female worker in the cotton industry or work in Parliament House, gender inequality chases women of all walks of life – even today.

Our earth needs you: give to keep Jane’s hope alive >>

International Women’s Day is a time of celebration, but also a time for us to look forward and assess what needs to be done to ensure a truly gender equal society.

This isn’t something only women should be thinking about; men need to stand in solidarity with women to create a future where gender inequality is truly something of the past.

Who are your top three female inspirations and why?

The three most important women in my life are:

Vini with her mum, while celebrating her parents' 25th wedding anniversary
Vini with her mum, while celebrating her parents’ 25th wedding anniversary

My Mum.

She was the first female role model I had. She’s compassionate, caring, holds her ground and manages work-life balance with an ease I have yet to master.

Dr Marie Curie

She inspired me to pursue STEM and reminds me everyday that women can excel in any field they persue – male dominated or not. And to never give up on our dreams.

Being the 1st person to have won the Nobel Prize twice, she proved that women can be at the forefront of accomplishments and be the first at achieving something unachievable.

Dr Jane Goodall.

Jane inspires me to be hopeful everyday in a world where hope can be difficult to find. She inspires me to get up and take action for what I believe in – whether that be social and climate justice, or creating a world that’s better for those to come – for, as she says: “the greatest danger to our future is apathy.”

Help young leaders: Join The Hope our donor community >>

What advice would you give to a 10-year-old with hindsight?

Let your imagination go crazy and know that as a woman you can also soar. No matter what you decide to do, always remember that you are enough and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

There’s no such thing as a woman’s job or a man’s job, all jobs are equal.

Remember to always do what brings you joy and instills you with hope.

What is your key message to other women with similar goals this IWD?

In a time of such uncertainty, it can be difficult to focus on our goals and aspirations, particularly justice focused aspirations.

Like myself I’m sure there are others who wake up thinking what’s the point of trying and trying again when all we face is failure to be heard and taken seriously. But always remember, if we can inspire one other person to care, then one day, we’ll have inspired the world.

~

Be a part of Vini’s work: join Roots & Shoots Tasmania’s Facebook Group or email tas@janegoodall.org.au

Jane’s World Wildlife Day message: “We are part of and depend on the natural world”

“We must face the shocking fact that we’re living through the sixth great extinction in the history of life on planet Earth.

“Fortunately we’re beginning to tackle the problems that we’ve created. We’re beginning to use our extraordinary intellect to put things right. People are waking up and realising that if we don’t take action to protect and restore biodiversity we’re doomed.

“It’s not too late…”

Dr. Jane Goodall shares her message for UN World Wildlife Day 2022. As we face the sixth great extinction, we not only recognise the tremendous loss of biodiversity – but also incredible individuals of these species. Dr. Goodall underscores the innate value and amazing beauty of global wildlife, as well as the urgent need to protect individuals and species, before they’re gone forever.

Help plant hope for generations to come!

Join our VIP donor community >> janegoodall.org.au/thehope
Or make a one off donation >> janegoodall.nationbuilder.com/donate

Wildlife Crime: Malawi joins Angola, Costa Rica and Gabon in calling for a new agreement

By Zara Bending, Board Director, JGIA​​​​​​

The President of the Republic of Malawi, H. E. Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has issued a statement joining AngolaCosta Rica and Gabon in calling for an additional Protocol under the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) on preventing and combating illicit wildlife trafficking:

“Malawi is determined to sustain its global reputation as a bastion and haven of flora and fauna diversity, as well as its impressive track record of tackling the illicit trade of ivory, for which it has been recognised internationally.”

“We can no longer stand by as we witness the destruction of our nation’s natural heritage. I therefore proudly support the call to action of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, President Carlos Alvarado Quesada and President Joao Lourenco and urge other countries to do the same.”

In response to the President’s statement, John Scanlon AO, Chair of The Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime (EWC), commended Malawi’s extraordinary environmental leadership, describing the Southern African country “as a global leader in wildlife conservation and in tackling illicit wildlife trafficking”.

“The EWC Initiative offers its full support to Malawi in advancing its calls for an additional protocol.”

“Malawi continues to demonstrate strong leadership in combating wildlife trafficking. As a founding steering group member of the Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime, the ICCF Group commends President Chakwera’s endorsement of a new international agreement” added Susan Herman Lylis, Executive Vice President of the ICCF Group.

The Jane Goodall Institute Global (JGIG) is a proud International Champion of the Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime. JGIG representative to the Initiative, Zara Bending, underscored the following upon Malawi’s announcement:

“We and our fellow EWC International Champions know that wildlife crime is a global problem requiring global collaboration to prevent and combat its reach. That collaboration, however, needs to be coordinated within an appropriate legal framework that is fit-for-purpose. We ardently support a Protocol to UNTOC as the best path forward. If adopted, the Protocol would be the fourth to UNTOC – the others concerning human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and illegal manufacturing and trafficking in firearms.”

Despite numerous calls, transnational, organised wildlife crime is not treated as a priority in most nations – with biodiverse-rich source countries being the most seriously impacted. Angola, Costa Rica and Gabon and Malawi have invited other States to align with them in sending an unequivocal message of the devastating scale, nature and consequences of wildlife crime to communities, ecosystems and wildlife, and of the need to scale up global cooperative efforts to combat and prevent them.

To find out more about a proposed UNTOC Protocol, available in several languages, head to endwildlifecrime.org) and be sure to listen to Jane’s Hopecast episode with EWC Chair, John Scanlon.

Image cre:

Top: A pile of tusks awaiting destruction in Kenya. The tusks – from about 8,000 elephants – would be worth more than $105 million on the black market. Conservationists worry that there is a a real threat of elephants becoming extinct in the next 50 years because of poaching bankrolled by the illegal trade in ivory. Photo: Paul Hilton

Middle: Zara Bending leads JGIG’s End Wildlife Crime campaign. She is an award-winning lecturer and internationally published researcher specialising in criminal, environmental and medical law.

New animated film by Dr. Jane Goodall: Wounda, a Story of Hope

Wounda is one of Jane Goodall Institute’s most famous success stories. Her grateful tight hug of Jane after being released into the wild, has inspired millions as the clip is shared continuously worldwide.

But, what happened to Wounda before her release? Why did she need the help of our Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre?

In a gorgeous new animated film, created by our Spanish colleagues with Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), Jane tells this very real story from her own life – dedicated to endangered chimps for over 60 years. Wounda, a Story of Hope reminds us that all beings are connected. It invites us to imagine and work together for a more sustainable future. So that, as Jane reminds us: “We should not forget that every day, through our actions, each one of us can make a difference.”

Help more endangered chimps like Wounda. Become a Chimp Guardian today >> janegoodall.org.au/chimpguardian

Written and narrated by Jane, Wounda, a Story of Hope is the second title from a series by Aprendemos juntos original content aimed especially at captivating children and a young audience.

Help give health, happiness and freedom to more chimps like Wounda. Join our our Chimp Guardian sponsor program, and you’ll directly fund our Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation and Rescue Centre.

With your generosity many more traumatised, injured and orphaned baby chimps – just like Wounda – can have the long, peaceful life they deserve >> janegoodall.org.au/chimpguardian

~

With many huge thanks to the creative and production teams behind this wonderful film:

BBVA:
Jaime Bisbal, Ana Gómez, Cristina Villarroya & Garazi Emaldi

WINK:
General Direction: David Amo, Gonzalo Madrid
Executive Direction: Kike Nimo, Miguel Ángel Expósito
Creative Direction: David Amo, Coque Jaramillo & 1st Ave Machine
Pedagogical Coordination: Víctor Blanco
Social media content coordinator: Juan Luis Ocampos
Executive production: Quique Infante, Raúl Barroso
Graphic Art Direction: AXT, Txuma Campos
Production: Noël Pruzzo, Germán Picazo
Directing narration Jane Goodall: Ben Gordon, Kike Bello
Technical means: Mad Dogs TV, Pro Studio Hire
Video Post Production : David Castañón
Audio Post Production : Mr Peaks
Original Soundtrack: Jon Aguirrezabalaga
Jane Goodall’s spanish voice: Luisa Ezquerra
Digital Strategy: Ícaro Moyano
Media manager: Alejandro Giménez
Social media: Beatriz de Vera, Braulio García
Translation and subtitling: BBO

And the collaboration of the Jane Goodall Institute:
Fede Bogdanowicz, Laura Mari Barrajón, Mary Lewis & Erika Helms.

Meet the team: Robyn Hittmann, Supporter Services Superhero!

Robyn Hittmann is an absolutely treasure for the Jane Goodall Institute Australia (JGIA), as the fantastic communicator who looks after supporter services and much more as our Admin Coordinator.

A former Executive Assistant in Oncology, Robyn has focused recent years on her deep love of wildlife. She’s volunteered in sanctuaries in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, plus wildlife rescue in NSW. She’s studied Animal Care Biology (Zookeepers Elective) and currently working through Captive Vertebrate Management via the Charles Sturt University. As well as volunteering with JGIA, Robyn also works part time with a veterinary consultancy.

The first point of contact often at JGIA, Robyn manages your queries with polite, swift aplomb – from donors to volunteers, teachers to TV stations, complaints to glowing praise. The team are incredibly thankful for her ongoing support and professionalism, driven by her deep love for animals, so want to show our gratitude with some words about our bear champion!

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering, but doesn’t know how to start?

“Take time to think about what you are able to offer an organisation with the skills you have. These skills could vary greatly from person to person, but all are valuable. One person may be accomplished in connecting with people. Another best at operational tasks. Also take into account the possible need of an organisation, where your skills could be used to their best advantage. Think about where your passion in life lies. If you follow your passion you will be greatly motivated to continue your volunteer work.

“Once you are clear on what you would like to do, then contact an organisation where you would like to volunteer. Put your details on their mailing list and check regularly for updates for when they may be looking for volunteers for a specific reason. The skills learnt while volunteering can also open up avenues of employment in the future.

“If accepted as a volunteer in any capacity, it is good to remember that you must be as reliable as a paid employee. Reliability to the tasks you may be allocated is important as the organisation will be relying on you to complete work requested of you.”

Image: Volunteering in Thai wildlife sanctuaries, by Robyn Hittman
Image: Volunteering in Thai wildlife sanctuaries, by Robyn Hittmann

How did you first find out about JGIA and what made you want to volunteer

“I have followed the work of Jane Goodall for many years and also received email updates on the work carried out by the Jane Goodall Institute. As my passion for many years has been working for animals, I felt I could offer my administrative skills to JGIA. With my background knowledge following previous study in the areas of captive vertebrate management and zoo-keeping, I also believed I could be of benefit. Although not working directly with animals, volunteering in a clerical capacity has allowed me to still feel I am making a difference.”

How and when do you feel most connected to nature?

“When working to improve the lives of animals in sanctuaries. These animals, through no fault of their own are not able to return to the wild – because of interference by man. We owe animals a good life – as close as possible to what would be their normal lifestyle.”

What are the most valuable lessons and skills volunteering has given you?

“Volunteering opens up a whole different world to the volunteer with diverse opportunities to learn and extend yourself. The volunteer is in a position to learn from the work they are doing. The volunteer is able to meet a diverse range of people with similar or the same interests.

“It is also great to feel part of a team and feel included in a like-minded group. This is something you can miss when not in a workplace setting. It really is a privilege to be accepted into an organisation on a voluntary basis and be able to use skills built up over years of experience to further the organisation’s cause. By giving, you also receive back ten fold.”

Volunteering in wildlife sanctuaries - by Robyn Hittman

What drives you in your daily life?

“While taking time to ‘stop and smell the roses’ which is very important, I am always conscious of any animal welfare issues that arise and keep abreast of issues through membership of animal welfare organisations. I hope to stand up for animal welfare issues wherever possible. I also always hope to extend myself and continue to learn. I have worked with many high achievers and they have motivated me to never stop learning.”

How does Jane inspire you?

“Jane inspires me as she can analyse situations and work outside the square. Not only has Jane made incredible inroads with the study, rehabilitation and conservation of chimpanzees, Jane has also realised the importance of working with communities that will be impacted by the work to conserve chimp populations. By engaging the local communities this has led to a greater respect plus a completely different outlook for the environment and animals by these communities. Jane’s work has also contributed to employment of people in the local communities and assisted young women to further their education.

Volunteering in wildlife sanctuaries - by Robyn Hittman

“Jane has also opened up and guaranteed the future by starting the Roots & Shoots movement which is now a global concept. This will ensure that the younger generation will appreciate and work towards conserving nature and the environment.

“Jane, with her quiet but determined attitude, can turn a problem around and tackle it from a different direction. With great knowledge and empathy she has been able to achieve so much.”

Why did you choose to volunteer for JGIA?

“Knowing the valuable work carried out by JGI throughout the world, and being impressed by the energy and passion of the work carried out by the organisation, I looked upon being accepted as a volunteer as a privilege.”

What is your favourite animal and why?

Bears safe in sanctuary, Cambodia - by Robyn Hittman
Bears sanctuary, Cambodia, by Robyn Hittmann

“I would have to say bears having worked with bears in Asia, and seeing their resilience, strength and tenacity to survive and thrive, even under the worst circumstances. These qualities shine through – something we could all learn from! They are also very forgiving animals after being treated so badly in so many ways by man. They show great resilience and determination to survive.”

Where is your favourite place?

“One of my favourite places is a sanctuary in Thailand where I worked as a volunteer. We were awoken before dawn by the calls of the gibbons filtering through the tree tops. The volunteers were all stiff and sore from working throughout the previous days, but in darkness just before the early morning light, there was never a complaint murmured. Everyone knew their allotted tasks and quietly went about assisting the animals in their care. It made me think that these true acts of kindness, so readily given, were like pieces of gold shining through the dust of hurt and despair that had once been placed upon the animals before finding safety in the sanctuary. A wonderful, inspiring place.”

Robyn's favourite animal in Cambodia - by Robyn Hittman
Robyn’s favourite animal in Cambodia

How long have you been volunteering with JGIA.

“Just on 12 months. I commenced working in a clerical capacity around August 2019 after reading a shout out for volunteers during this time.”

What is your favourite part of volunteering?

“Learning and expanding my knowledge – and hopefully being of assistance. Volunteering with JGIA has opened a number of doors for me – not only the wonderful people I have been in contact with or e-met, but also being able to further my knowledge in so many areas by way of webinars etc.”

Why is conservation important to you?

“We have already lost many species of insects and animals due to the destruction of their habitat. We must keep areas of the environment for nature to thrive. The loss of even the smallest species of insect can reflect on nature in so many ways. Nature has evolved where one is dependent on the other for survival and we must strive to keep this balance. The environment must be kept for future generations to respect and enjoy.”

What would you like your legacy to be?

“For others to see, through me, the respect and love for all animal life. Not by what I say, but by what I do, my actions and how my day-to-day life is carried out. All forms of life should be respected – we cannot simply turn our backs when we see a wrong carried out or animals badly treated. We must have the courage to take a stand for animals that are not able to speak for themselves.

“Planting small seeds of thought in people’s minds can be very powerful and can help to change their course of thinking, way of life and beliefs.”

Jane is known for spreading her message of hope. What are you hopeful for?

“That the younger generation will appreciate the value of the environment and all nature and learn the true value of kindness.”

Are you interested in volunteering – even just an hour or two a week? JGIA always appreciate any skills you can share! For more information please tell us more about yourself and what you’d like to offer by emailing info@janegoodall.org.au – and our wonderful Robyn will get back to you.

A deep love for nature is why Robyn volunteers - by Robyn Hittman
A deep love for nature and animals is why Robyn volunteers

Statement: Tragic Sacrifice of 6 Rangers Killed in the Congo’s Virunga National Park

The Jane Goodall Institute Australia (JGIA) expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of six rangers killed (and the seventh injured) while on patrol in Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo) on the morning of Sunday 10 January 2021. The second attack in less than a year, 17 rangers were also tragically killed in April 2020.

Known as ‘the Congolese Jewel,’ Virunga holds a special place in the hearts of many Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) personnel globally as Africa’s first national park, created in 1925. The park was inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1979 for both geological and ecological values, but has been flagged as a World Heritage site in Danger since 1994 due to civil conflict, invasion, and degradation.

Almost 700 armed rangers patrol the park, known for its incredible natural beauty and being the only place on earth that three types of great apes call home: the eastern chimpanzee, mountain gorilla and eastern lowland gorilla. Over 200 species of mammals live in Virunga National Park including elephants, hippos, okapi and 22 types of primates, plus 109 reptile species and 78 amphibian species. The park boasts a remarkable web of life across an area spanning 790,000 hectares, so much so that some of its over 700 species of birds return from Siberia to spend the winter there every year.

Over 200 rangers have lost their lives at Virunga since its establishment, owing to civil unrest and protracted armed conflict in the region. Armed groups continually seek control of the park’s natural wealth. An official statement from park officials attributes responsibility for this month’s lethal ambush to local Mai-Mai militia.

Park rangers are employed by the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN). While not bearing military status, the Rangers are a vital part of maintaining peace and security for the park’s human and non-human communities. Virunga’s mountain gorilla populations have not only survived generations of conflict, but owing to the tireless service of their human protectors and ethical ecotourism operations (jeopardised further by the current pandemic) have grown from 480 individuals in 2010 to over 600 individuals in 2019.

UNESCO has issued a statement where it “…once again condemns these atrocious acts which target women and men dedicated to safeguarding our common heritage” while reiterating its commitment to strengthen the security of personnel responsible for the protection of its natural sites.

We acknowledge the sacrifice of the fallen rangers who have paid a terrible price in the execution of their duties, and trust in the resilience of those remaining to continue in their charge.

Written by JGIA Board Director, Macquarie University Law Associate and Champion for the Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime, Zara Bending:

Image: Virunga National Park

References:

Official Statement from Virunga National Park

Official Statement from UNESCO

“Thank you for giving me the strength to carry on:” Dr. Jane Goodall’s Rally of Hope for 2021

Dear Supporter,

For many of us, the holidays are a time for reflection. As we look back on 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic will occupy a central role—it caused so much suffering and death around the world. But it also provided many examples of selflessness and altruism—hope for a better world. We were also given proof that nature is resilient if we give her a chance, that if we get together we can create a better relationship with nature, a better world for all.

Thanks to you, hundreds of chimpanzees who may not have survived are getting a chance to thrive. We are fighting to end the illegal bushmeat and pet trades by working collaboratively with local communities, NGOs and governments. We’re coming to the aid of chimpanzees in sanctuaries, helping to provide ways of protecting them from COVID-19. We’re providing communities in Africa with the information and tools to protect their own environment, understanding it is for their own future as well as for wildlife. We provide micro-credit programs, scholarships to keep girls in school during and after puberty, workshops that provide information about agroforestry, permaculture, water management and so on. And we are empowering thousands of young people around the globe through our Roots & Shoots program, encouraging them to choose and act upon projects to make the world a better place for people, animals and the environment. Most of all, we’re demonstrating what is possible when our brains work in harmony with our hearts to make the world a better place for all.

As I reflect on how we persevered this year, I am filled with gratitude for your support, because you and our other supporters are proof that a better future is possible. Together, let us continue to spread hope throughout the world, and build a better future. I wish you a healthy and safe holiday season, and I look forward to your continued interest in and support for our work in the months to come!

Warmly,

Jane Goodall, Ph.D., DBE
UN Messenger of Peace
Founder, the Jane Goodall Institute

 

 

 

 

 

Australia to finally ban domestic trade in elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn

At the 18th Conference of Parties to the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) delegates for Australia formally announced the country’s intention to finally ban the domestic trade of elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn. Environment Minister Sussan Ley will meet with National Environment Ministers in November to discuss nationwide enactment and enforcement across all jurisdictions.

The announcement comes well after the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Law Enforcement completed its Inquiry into Australia’s domestic markets, with its Final Report recommending the measures last September. The ban could see some exemptions including musical instruments made prior to 1975 and containing less than 20% ivory as well as CITES accredited museum pieces. A domestic trade ban on ivory will see Australia join jurisdictions including the UK, China and most recently Singapore despite trade continuing legally in Japan and many EU countries.

It appears that the potential for Australia to become a “weak target” for organised criminal syndicates trafficking illegal wildlife products and other blackmarket commodities played a significant role in the decision. As explained by Zara Bending (Board Director at JGIA and Associate at Macquarie University’s Centre for Environmental Law) in her expert appearance before the Inquiry: “…a common concern is that displacement will see the activities of these resilient criminal networks shift to states where legal rules are lax in substance or implementation or are ambiguous or non-existent.”

JGIA thanks its volunteers and supporters for raising their voices for wildlife as part of our Global ForeverWild campaign to end wildlife trafficking (link to page). We also want to acknowledge the part that our young people at Roots & Shoots Australia have played in this movement, including three of our youth leaders (Shannon, Mary and Maya) attending public hearings last year.

You can read the Committee’s Final Report here:  https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Law_Enforcement/Elephantivoryrhinohorn/Report)