Forests provide oxygen, food, water, and livelihoods for billions of people across the globe. They contain an overwhelming diversity of life and regulate our climate. Sadly, they’re being destroyed at an alarming rate due to powerful political and economic interests and consumer demands for palm oil, paper, beef, mined materials, and other products. These actions are increasing inequality, wiping out countless species, and threatening the survival of indigenous communities, along with all life on earth.
Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) and UN Messenger of Peace, announced at the 2020 World Economic Forum that she would contribute 5 million trees through her partnerships and organization in the next year to UNEP’s 1 Trillion Trees campaign. The trees will be provided via restoration or replanting. Jane hopes these efforts will give our planet and global forests a chance to survive.
Over the past few years, the world has witnessed the escalating cycle of harm that occurs when forests disappear and climate change destroys landscapes through fires or other natural disasters. Through this campaign, Dr. Goodall is taking action and supporting efforts to reach the 1 Trillion Trees goal through the work of JGI, its Roots & Shoots youth program, and other partnerships.
“1T.ORG offers innovative technologies which will serve to connect tens of thousands of small and large groups around the world that are engaged in tree planting and forest restoration. Creating this “greening global community” will allow for sharing critically needed funding and best practices — just what is needed to achieve the trillion trees goal in ten years. Toward this 1T.ORG goal, I am proud to announce that our Roots & Shoots program, which empowers young people in 60 countries, has committed to planting over 5 million new trees over the coming year. Now is the time for everyone on the planet to do their part.”
Dr. Goodall has worked with local African communities across the chimpanzee range for over 40 years. The JGI supports local ownership of the process of holistic conservation, which allows the creation of efficient forest reserves and land-use plans and support of sustainable livelihoods.
Also, the institute uses advanced science, including a geographic information system (GIS), to adequately assess habitat change and progress over time and to better understand and collect ecosystem data. Goodall’s “Roots & Shoots” program supports young people in becoming environmental activists and stewards through service-learning projects, many of which replant or restore forests.
Dr. Goodall is an advocate for people, animals, and the environment. She is passionate about restoring, protecting, and replanting forests as essential for both biodiversity and curbing climate change. Goodall supports initiatives that not only bring attention to the matter but directly encourage action as a solution.
