Local Voices, Local Choices

The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is a global, community-centered conservation organization founded in 1977 that advances the vision and work of Dr. Jane Goodall in over 30 countries around the world. We aim to understand and protect chimpanzees, other apes and their habitats, and empower people to be compassionate citizens in order to inspire conservation of the natural world we all share. JGI uses research, collaboration with local communities, best-in-class animal welfare standards, and the innovative use of science and technology to inspire hope and transform it into action for the common good. Through our Roots & Shoots program for young people of all ages, now active in over 50 countries around the world, JGI is creating an informed and compassionate critical mass of people who will help to create a better world for people, other animals and our shared environment.  

Foreword by Jack Dangermond


Introduction: The birth of Tacare by Jane Goodall


The Jane Goodall Institute’s method of community-led conservation.


1 The human-made island: Mzee Jumanne Kikwale meets Jane Goodall at an impressionable age. Dr. Anthony Collins arrives to study Gombe’s baboons.


2 Paradigms and problems: Mzee Jumanne Kikwale moves back to Kigoma to teach the next generation about trees. Dr. Anthony Collins recalls Tacare’s earliest steps — and missteps.


3 1994: Understanding deforestation: George Strunden and the genesis of TACARE.


4 1994: The forester: Mzee Aristides Kashula sees both the forests and the trees.


5 Cultivating a holistic approach: Mzee Emmanuel Mtiti dances with donors.


6 Creating a common language: Dr. Lilian Pintea uses mapping technologies to develop a dialogue between communities and conservationists.


7 Local ambassadors: Learning from and speaking for the chimps: Gabo Paulo, Eslom Mpongo, Hamisi Mkono, Fatuma Kifumu, and Yahaya Almas reflect on decades of chimp observation at Gombe.


8 A confluence of disciplines: Dr. Shadrack Kamenya explains why indigenous researchers are essential to outreach efforts. Dr. Deus Mjungu dedicates his career to creating habitat corridors for endangered wildlife.


9 The cycles of old and new: Japhet Mwanang’ombe educates and inspires the younger generation. Hamisi Matama preserves the traditional ecological knowledge his mother taught him.


10 Seeking homeostasis: KANYACODA, VHTs, PFOs, KIKACODA: Working toward human and ecological health in Uganda.


11 The fatal interface KACODA, Uganda: Finding successful strategies to reduce human/chimp conflict.


12 From the cloud to the ground: Ugandan Wildlife Authority: Obed Kareebi, Frank Sarube, and


Philemon Tumwebaze on poverty, technology, and conservation.


13 Outreach through fire: Dario Merlo hears Jane’s words of hope as bombs fall on Goma.


14 The banks and the bees: Phoebe Samwel links microcredit to women’s empowerment Kapeeka Integrated Community Development Association (KICODA) harvests honey — and venom.


15 Changing the retirement plan: Mama Sonja manages difficult conversations about choice.


16 Of women champions: Alice Macharia paves the way for African women in conservation. Yakaka Saweya explains why so many village girls don’t complete their education.


17 The cycle of regeneration: Alice Macharia is in it for the long term — and the short term.


18 A “talking office” with maps: Joseline Nyangoma, Hoima district natural resources officer, wants


science to tell a story.


19 People, pixels, and puff adders: Dr. Lilian Pintea contemplates different ways of knowing.


Conclusion