Dr. Goodall began her pioneering research in 1960 at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, where she studied chimpanzee behaviour. She subsequently decided to live in Tanzania to remain close to the chimpanzees, establishing a career in wildlife conservation comparable to that of Dian Fossey, who devoted her life to mountain gorillas.
In 1991, Dr. Goodall founded Roots & Shoots, a global youth-led environmental programme. The initiative now operates in nearly 100 countries, including Rwanda, with more than 1,000 members advocating for wildlife protection, community development, and environmental conservation.
During a 2013 visit to Rwanda, Dr. Goodall met government officials, including the Rwanda Development Board, park authorities, students, and international organisations. She toured Nyungwe National Park and pledged to return to continue supporting local conservation efforts. Clare Akamanzi, then CEO of RDB, noted that the JGI had been collaborating with Rwanda on chimpanzee habituation programmes in Nyungwe through the Nyungwe Nziza project, launched in 2010.
Dr. Goodall's passing has been mourned globally, with tributes from conservationists, political leaders including former U.S. President Barack Obama, and international bodies such as the United Nations, recognising her lifelong dedication to wildlife and environmental conservation.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/renowned-conservationist-dr-jane-goodall-dies-at-91
