Last week, I listened to Dr. Jane Goodall as part of the Wilson Center’s “On the Hill” series. While Dr. Goodall is known primarily for her groundbreaking work on chimpanzee behavior in the Gombe Reserve of Tanzania, her discussion focused on the linkages between environmental sustainability, public health, livelihoods development, and the well-being of species.  

Dr. Goodall focused her presentation on TACARE, a flagship program of the Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife Research, Education, and Conservation. TACARE – or the Lake Tanganyika Catchment Reforestation and Education program --  is an integrated international development program. While leaders in the population studies have yet to determine direct relationships between growth and climate change, Dr. Goodall stated her observations that increasing populations have led to further environmental degradation. As a result, she advocates for localized, integrated solutions. By combining culturally-sensitive conservation techniques with economically sustainable practices and reproductive health services, the Jane Goodall Institute has achieved tremendous success in restoring indigenous forests, stabilizing population growth, and establishing primate well-being. TACARE programs provide microfinance opportunities, infrastructure development funds, tree nurseries, forest reserves, cash crop promotions, water sanitation, public health education, and youth education through JGI’s Roots & Shoots program.

Regarding the role of family planning services, the field staff of the Jane Goodall Institute provides counseling and distributes condoms, oral contraceptives, voluntary sterilization, IUCD, Depo-Provera, and natural methods. Dr. Goodall outlined that when these items were introduced to local communities, men and women welcomed them. However, greater efforts are needed in various African countries, particularly in Uganda, where an average 6.7 children are born to every female of reproductive age.

TACARE is currently funded through the US Agency for International Development. Dr. Goodall optimistically stated that under the current administration, she hopes that development funding agencies will enable NGOs to exercise greater judgement in implementation practices. Rather than having one fund earmarked solely for HIV/AIDS education, Dr. Goodall mentioned the need for development grants to tackle integrated practice at a scaled level.

 For more information on the Jane Goodall Institute’s work, visit www.janegoodall.org