How Humans And Animals Can Live Together

In this video, Dr. Jane Goodall speaks at TEDGlobal in 2007 about her community projects which are helping people in Africa raise their standard of living while simultaneously protecting animals and the environment. Hearing Jane talk about chimps is a special experience, but there’s so much more to her than just primates. She’s passionate about saving people and the natural world. And she does what she does for all of us, and asks the right questions to inspire reflection and change.

Do you care about the world? Do you care about the lives and futures of your children or family? If so, then you need get informed and make better choices.

Dr. Goodall continues to help the world in many ways but it’s the Roots & Shoots program which is making a profound mark in countries around the world. Establishing a community conservation program model has empowered thousand of communities to alter their collective existence. Better livelihoods are provided while incorporating wildlife conservation and environmental protection values. For instance, a common format is ecotourism projects which fund schools and hospitals.

Unfortunately, in the recent past well-intentioned external groups failed to realize the needs of the people and spoke out of context. Many refused to see that poor people are not particularly interested in conservation or protecting animals. They simply don’t have the luxuries we are accustomed to. Their focus is on survival, on health, on education, or on getting adequate access to food and water.

But as their their standard of life is increased they’re more open to committing to protect animals and environment. This is why Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program has been so successful. The program addresses the needs of the people while educating them on the importance of protecting the natural world. The core objectives go hand in hand.

First world residents must come to understand their frivolous lifestyles create unsustainable demands on the environment and all species who depend on it. What you choose at home affects people in developing countries, directly or indirectly. And this is not empty rhetoric meant to scare people; but this IS a frightening reality many in the first world still fail to comprehend. We live a privileged lifestyle at the expense of the third world.

But there is Hope.