Browsing: Hope In Action

We’re thrilled to share the inspiring rescue story of an infant gorilla, found in and named for Mozambique, who was saved from the illegal wildlife trade through the swift coordination of various government agencies. The Mozambique Wildlife Alliance (MWA) and law enforcement officials worked tirelessly to ensure her safety, confiscating and processing crucial permits for her transport from Mozambique through Angola to the Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga sanctuary in the Republic of the Congo.   Having received a tip regarding a trafficked “monkey,” Mozambique’s investigation police, with the support of the Mozambique Wildlife Alliance (MWA), set up a sting operation to…

The beauty of Roots & Shoots is that it’s rooted in the belief that anyone, anywhere can change the world for the better. Of course, it’s easier (and more fun!) to come together to make a change, which is why Roots & Shoots USA has been especially focused on bringing our community together. In that spirit, we are so happy to introduce new members of the Roots & Shoots Youth Council!  🔗 Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA (RSYC) is a group of inspiring young people hand-picked from across the country for their dedication to making positive…

Add your own story to Jane Goodall Institute’s Tapestry of Hope There’s no doubt about it—our planet is in crisis. From climate change to biodiversity loss, there’s a lot to be concerned about. But that’s not the whole story. If you only look at the negative headlines, you’ll miss inspiring reasons for hope. Community-led initiatives are making a difference every day, all around the world. Young people are taking action in their schools and neighborhoods. Scientists are developing innovative technologies to build a sustainable future. Nature is proving that, with a little help and protection, it can regenerate. There are…

In another year full of unique global challenges, a little bit of hope goes a long way. One place we’re finding a lot of hope is in the inspiring stories from our programs! The Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in the Republic of the Congo (RoC) offers second chances to chimpanzees orphaned or injured through the illegal wildlife trade. At Tchimpounga, trained JGI caretakers, researchers, and other professionals work with these chimpanzees and other wildlife with an individualized approach – each animal given a care plan to heal and thrive. Through this work, wildlife are given a second…

In Tanzania, JGI has long supported community-managed funds to support sustainable development, and in 2021, through the Landscape Conservation in Western Tanzania (LCWT) project, this work grew in new ways including 17 new COCOBA (community conservation banking) groups in the first quarter alone! Each COCOBA group selected a community leader to be trained on general management, problem-solving, how to manage shares, handle passbooks, and more. These microcredit groups invest in livelihoods that offer alternatives to those that would be detrimental to habitat conservation, particularly in Mishamo and Katumba Settlements where agricultural expansion presents a very high threat to the Tongwe…

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged each of us in ways that we couldn’t have expected; schools were shut down, programs were canceled, and young people everywhere had to find new ways of standing up together for what they believe in. We are so proud of our Roots & Shoots members for showing their adaptability during these strange times by continuing to create positive impact in their communities. That’s the incredible power of hope—it keeps us moving forward, even when the light at the end of the tunnel seems impossible to reach. One achievement we are really proud of from the past year was updating the Roots & Shoots website! The…

At the 2020 World Economic Forum, Dr. Goodall announced her commitment to the Trillion Tree campaign of UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) of contributing five million trees (by protection, planting, and/or restoration) through JGI and partnerships. From forests to the individual tree, plants are the “root” of our planet’s health and survival. Trees and other plants have the power to draw down from our atmosphere carbon dioxide (CO2), a heat-trapping gas released through human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation. By trapping CO2, forests and green spaces can be one of our greatest solutions in fighting climate change (U.S. Forest Service).…

You pick up your phone, open a social media app, and what do you see? Maybe you scroll through images of friends hanging out, foodies sharing their meals, or a viral video. But beyond what seems like superficial content, what we observe on social media influences what we consider important and the way we act. As much as online spaces shape us, it’s clear that though it can be harmful, it can also be used for good. To that end, digital activism has become a popular way for individuals to spread information, encourage action, and connect with like-minded people. This form of activism may include everything from signing online petitions to posting social media content that inspires peers. Dr.…

This year, JGI’s Roots & Shoots program partnered with the Fund II Foundation to develop the Fund II Foundation Roots & Shoots National Fellowship Program. This 10-month program is designed to offer young people of color or those working in underserved communities the opportunity to create and implement service learning projects and produce positive impact. This fellowship seeks to enable young people to empower their communities to take action on issues that matter to them. As Dr. Jane always says, “Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.” Meet Victor A 24-year-old Bronx…

College is rough. Most of my time May of 2017 was spent inside the library at all hours of the day studying for finals. Earlier in the semester I had decided that I was getting bored of my Public Relations major and that I would add a Business Administration major to my degree, just to make the last year and a half of college more interesting.  2017 ended up being much more interesting than I ever imagined. It was the year I decided to add a second major, the year I met Jane Goodall in the parking lot, and the…