Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE gifts autographed books to the WNPS

Dr. Jane Goodall, recently gifted several signed copies of her “The Book of Hope” to the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) for their library and to Sri Lankan youth as a means of spreading the word and inspiring them to remain hopeful of their future,.

An ethologist and environmentalist, Dr. Goodall is Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and a UN Messenger of Peace and is known for her ground-breaking research into the lives of wild chimpanzees in Gombe, western Tanzania. Dr. Goodall was interested to learn of the work being done by WNPS to protect Sri Lankan nature and its different species, including the Toque Macaques, who were under threat of export in the recent past ( www.wnpssl.org ).

Dr. Goodall’s powerful message to protect all living creatures is complemented by her campaign to spread optimism and hope for future generations as evidenced by Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots programme. Founded in 1991, Roots & Shoots empowers young people of all ages to become involved in hands-on projects of their choosing to benefit people, animals (including domestic animals) and the environment and is now active in more than 65 countries.

At the invitation of the WNPS, she addressed and inspired Sri Lankan audiences through the Nations Trust WNPS public lecture series two years ago, (see Monthly Lectures – The Wildlife & Nature Protection Society, Sri Lanka (wnpssl.org) ) and continues to engage with the team when possible. Among many elements touched on during her message for International Biodiversity Day this year she spoke of the importance of Ecosystems, Rewilding, and Green Forest Corridors as critical elements for species protection and was happy to hear about the efforts of WNPS PLANT to build more forest corridors in Sri Lanka (www.plantsl.org).

“She encouraged us all to keep working on these tough challenges and urged us to seek to find a better balance with our wildlife. Dr. Goodall also pointed out the similarities in the work being done by the WNPS Youth Wing and her global humanitarian and environmental programme Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots (www.rootsandshoots.global) and encouraged WNPS to explore opportunities to partner further,” the release said.

Accepting the books and thanking her on behalf of the WNPS team, Past President Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne extended the WNPS appreciation to her for her inspiration and support for the work being done by the teams and partners, and for shining a bright light for so many to follow.

“The WNPS, as the third oldest conservation organization in the world, wishes her all success and good health, as she continues her tireless dedication towards building hope for the natural world, and for humanity. The WNPS hopes that she might be able to find time amidst her busy schedule to visit Sri Lanka at some future date to address local audiences in person,” the release concluded.