July 27, 2018

Gombe Added to the UNESCO Biosphere Programme

by Dr. Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall announces that Gombe Masito Ugalla, Tanzania has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme.

On July 26, 2018 the International Co-ordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme announced the addition of 24 new sites to the worldwide network of Biosphere Reserves. Gombe National Park, where Jane Goodall conducted her ground-breaking research on chimpanzees, was included in the list. This means the park and surrounding area is better protected against unsustainable development and habitat fragmentation.

A Message from Jane in response to the UN announcement:

This is to congratulate everyone who has worked so very hard to bring about the recognition of this ecosystem. It is wonderful news, and now surely we can seek funding more easily to step up our work with communities in the area, improving lives, creating new partners in conservation, getting Roots & Shoots programmes into all the local schools.

A fantastic success.

On behalf of all the chimpanzees and other animals in the area, and on behalf of the trees and other vegetation, thank you everyone.

Love and Peace,

Jane