Iconic Conservationist and Founder of Uganda's Jane Goodall Institute Wins Top US Presidential Medal
JGI Uganda also works closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and other partners to rescue and care for chimpanzees at sanctuaries like Ngamba Island.
Iconic conservationist and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute(JGI), whose remarkable work extends to Uganda, has been honored with the US Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The award, presented to Dr. Jane Goodall on January 4 at the White House, is the highest civilian honor in the United States.
This recognition solidifies the legacy of a woman whose contributions to global conservation are deeply felt in Uganda and across East Africa through her Jane Goodall Institute, headquartered in Washington, DC.
"This honor represents the collective efforts of countless individuals dedicated to making the world a better place—not just for humans, but for all living beings," Dr. Goodall said during the ceremony.
Her words reflect her enduring belief in the interconnectedness of life and the responsibility we all hold to protect our shared home, a principle that resonates deeply in Uganda, where her institute has fostered harmony between people and nature.
JGI Uganda also works closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and other partners to rescue and care for chimpanzees at sanctuaries like Ngamba Island.
These sanctuaries provide expert care to nearly 200 rescued chimpanzees while fostering public awareness of conservation issues.
Additionally, JGI Uganda sustains environmental education initiatives, including the globally renowned Roots & Shoots program, which empowers Ugandan youth to lead conservation projects in their communities.
The White House described Goodall as a "world-renowned ethologist and conservationist whose research transformed our understanding of primates and human evolution."
Her life's work, spanning over six decades, has redefined humanity's relationship with the natural world.
She is considered the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees, having spent 60 years studying their social and family interactions in the wild.
Her journey began in 1960 when she ventured to Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania to observe the behaviors of chimpanzees, forever changing how people view animals and their connection to humanity.
She was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace in April 2002, recognising her efforts in fostering harmony and sustainability worldwide.
She is also an honorary member of the World Future Council and serves on the board of the Nonhuman Rights Project.
