Roots of Sustainability Strong at UCSD, Jane Goodall Says

By Christine Clark | April 7, 2008

Well-known scientist Jane Goodall planted a tree last week at UCSD.

Legendary primatologist Jane Goodall has raised attention to the plight of endangered chimpanzees — and the state of the environment — since she first began her research in Africa in the 1960s. On April 1, the famed conservationist and scientist brought her message to UC San Diego, where she took part in a tree-planting ceremony and an honorary luncheon. The luncheon, which included a speech by Goodall, recognized the efforts of several student organizations and paid tribute to UC San Diego’s sustainability initiatives. 

Goodall was introduced at the ceremony by Environment and Sustainability Initiative Executive Director Lisa Shaffer. “This event is a demonstration of UC San Diego’s commitment to sustainability,” Shaffer said.

The ceremony took place in front of the International House, where students gathered for the tree-planting ceremony and to hear Goodall speak. “I love trees,” Goodall said. “Deforestation is one of the great tragedies of the world and planting trees can go a long way to cure this devastating problem.”

Goodall began studying wild chimpanzees in Tanzania’s Gombe National Park nearly 50 years ago. She he founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977.  At the tree-planting ceremony, she said she became dedicated to improving the conditions in the environment after she saw a drastic decrease in the chimpanzee population.

Goodall visited the campus Tuesday.

 “There used to be one million,” Goodall said. “Now the population has dwindled to less than 150,000.” She added that there has never been a better time to work towards improving the environment. “My generation has compromised the future of your generation,” she said. “We face massive problems with the environment, such as deforestation, unequal distribution of resources and global warming, but change can happen if young people from groups like Roots & Shoots partner with other organizations.”

Roots & Shoots is the global humanitarian and environmental youth program of the Jane Goodall Institute. The program is designed to help young people implement service projects that promote positive change for communities, animals and the environment.

Associated Students Senator Kenneth Wong campaigned to have Goodall come to UC San Diego and gave remarks at the ceremony. He said meeting her was an emotional experience. "She has a wonderful presence and is a hands-on leader and scientist," Wong said.

Following the tree-planting, 12 community-service based student organizations, such as One Earth One Justice, the Urban Studies and Planning Club and Alternative Breaks gave presentations. Shaffer, who was on the committee that selected the student groups, said they were chosen based on their commitment to community service, the environment and their call to action. “When I read the applications, I had tears in my eyes,” Shaffer said. “I was so impressed by the level of dedication in some of the students.”

Goodall spoke in front of the International House.

Goodall presented three student groups — Alternative Breaks, Biofuels Action Awareness and Schools for Schools — with awards. Jamin Eggert and Alicia Muccillo both help operate Schools for Schools, a student organization that aims to improve primary education in Uganda. Both Eggert and Muccillo were recognized for their efforts at the luncheon and they became very emotional during Goodall’s speech. “I think Goodall did an amazing job of illustrating the importance of the involvement of youth,” Eggert said. “I was so happy that Alicia and other organizers like Alisa Kempf, who work so tirelessly for Schools for Schools, were rewarded.”

Goodall’s appearance was sponsored by the UC San Diego International House, Associated Students, Senator Wong and the members of UC San Diego’s Roots & Shoots.