IUCN pays tribute to Jane Goodall 

“Dame Jane Goodall will forever remain an icon of hope and an enduring inspiration to the global conservation movement,” said Razan Al Mubarak, IUCN President. “She was a tireless advocate within our Species Survival Commission and as a Patron of Nature, and her voice was always present at our World Conservation Congresses – including the one we open next week in Abu Dhabi. Her contributions to conservation are immeasurable, and her boundless energy, unshakable determination, and unwavering optimism will continue to guide and inspire generations. Jane was also a dear friend to me personally, and her belief that every individual can make a difference will forever shape my own path in conservation.”

Dr Jane Goodall, DBE, had been an active member of the Union for many decades. She was a long-standing member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), the world’s largest voluntary network of scientists working together to prevent species decline and extinction. Jane was also a member of the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist group and was one of the early pioneers of primatology, helping to pave the way for women in the field. Her groundbreaking work on chimpanzees in Tanzania’s Gombe National Park transformed the way society views its closest living relatives and expanded our understanding of animal behaviour.

“Dame Jane Goodall’s life was a celebration of possibility – a life of courage, compassion, and groundbreaking science whose impact will endure, giving hope and inspiration to generations yet to come. With her passing, we lose not only a cherished friend and colleague, but one of the most powerful voices for nature the world has ever known,” said Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General. “As a pioneering scientist and tireless advocate for wildlife, she transformed the way humanity understands the deep connections that bind us and nature together. She has shown millions that one person’s passion and perseverance can inspire a global movement for nature – reminding us what is possible when dedication, courage, and science unite in service of nature.”

Beyond her scientific achievements, she also lent her support and guidance to IUCN as a Patron of Nature. She was due to speak at the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress starting next week, as she had at many previous IUCN Congresses. Jane’s legacy will be honoured at the upcoming IUCN Congress in Abu Dhabi next week.

“I am so sad to hear of the passing of my good friend Jane Goodall. I have known Jane for nearly 50 years, and have always been amazed by her boundless energy, her vision and her truly global impact. Although she is best known as a chimpanzee researcher, she was so much more than that. She was among the best-known scientists in history, and a campaigner for many different causes, including animal rights and global peace,” said Dr Russell Mittermeier, Chair of IUCN’s Species Survival Commission Primate Specialist Group. “Our paths crossed many times over the past half-century, and I will miss her very much. All of us will miss her. There will never again be anyone like her.”

The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) Global and JGI China, both IUCN Members, were founded by Jane. Since its creation in 1977, the Institute has inspired hope through the collective action of community-centred conservation, the innovative use of science and technology, and its global Roots & Shoots programme. Today, Roots & Shoots unites more than 10,000 groups across over 75 countries, empowering millions of young people to take action for a better future.