JANE Goodall is a renowned British scientist who changed the global view on primates and our relationship with other wildlife.
She spent years, since 1960, studying wild chimpanzee populations in Gombe National Park, Tanzania. Her deep concern for wild animals radiated during her talk on Oct 29 in Kuala Lumpur.
Her message has captured the hearts of young Malaysians. She stressed on the conservation of our blue planet, which is facing an uncertain future. The talk looked into various issues pertaining to the conservation of wild ecosystems, particularly in Africa.
Goodall is known for her 55 years of study of wild chimpanzees. It is a challenging task for a field biologist. It is hard to imagine a young woman from England travelling to Africa to study wild chimpanzees. She has also written several books, mostly on conservation and wildlife protection.
Her keen observations on wild chimpanzee populations and their habitats has resulted in eye-opening views on conservation, particularly on safeguarding our sensitive ecosystems for future generations.
It is a wake-up call for global communities to realise that our planet is doomed due to man’s own actions.
Everyone has a role to play, especially in safeguarding our planet. We inherited a healthy world. It is our responsibility to provide a healthy environment for future generations.
The way we handle environmental problems is deplorable. Market forces have resulted in massive destruction of pristine habitats. Almost all sensitive habitats for wildlife have gradually been destroyed.
The expansion of urban areas are occurring in an uncontrolled manner. Most villages have become townships and are putting undue pressure on water systems. Beautiful streams and rivers have been turned into drains. River pollution is uncontrolled.
During the recent International Primatological Society Congress in Chicago, Goodall addressed the international audience on several impending environmental issues facing the world. Her advice to global communities on the status of our world can be considered a voice of the future.
Mother Earth is very sick and unhealthy. We only have one world and only one chance. Please take care of our environment.
MASHHOR MANSOR, President, Malaysian Primatological Society and professor, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang