Let’s Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Roots & Shoots

The international Roots & Shoots anniversary celebration web: Roots & Shoots 25

In 1991, Jane Goodall established Roots & Shoots, a highly influential global youth program dedicated to environmental conservation and humanitarian care. Since then, Jane Goodall began global tours to raise environmental awareness. The goal of Roots & Shoots is to encourage young individuals to take informed actions in aiding the environment, animals, and the local community.

February 19, 2016, announces the 25^th anniversary of Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program, and it is time for all Roots & Shoots members to celebrate this moment by using the hashtag #rootsandshoots25 to send the message of a greener future.

THE START OF ROOTS & SHOOTS

Roots and Shoots was created in 1991 when Dr. Goodall gave discussions at local schools in Gombe, Nigeria. Not only did she develop a huge interest in the environment, she also discovered a lack of environmental education among the students.

Twelve students, selected by their classmates, later went to Goodall’s home where they talked about their environmental concerns and methods for protection; this became the starting point for Roots and Shoots.

Encouraged by Goodall, the twelve students attempted to halt the exporting of live birds from Tanzania and dynamite fishing (a local fishing technique by using explosive materials in rivers or seas). However, Dr. Goodall indicated that the political system in Tanzania thwarted their initial efforts.

Dr. Goodall also recalled, in Tanzania, that those students went on to continue advocating for the environment as the minister of environment for Tanzania, Roots & Shoots’ national director, and the remaining became active in journalism and education, focusing on environmental subjects.

(Story from the Reuters, Jane Goodall toasts 20 years of “Roots and Shoots”)

THE GROWTH OF ROOTS & SHOOTS

Having been active in the globe for quarter of a century, Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots established offices and groups in over 130 countries, from Africa to Asia, having youth groups participating in various projects.

• In Western Australia, students planted a native species garden where endangered animals could feed and nest.
• In Spain, students recycled cell phones for the re-use of materials and funded educational and conservational projects in Africa.
• In British Columbia, Canada, elementary students removed invasive species to protect a habitat surrounding a particular lake.

ROOTS & SHOOTS IN CHINA

Introduced into China in the late 20^th century, Roots & Shoots now has three active offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, supporting 700+ student groups across the country. The three offices have built strong partnerships with corporations, working together towards a greener planet. Each of the three offices are known for its flagship programs, which are highly praised. For example, Beijing’s No Shark Fin Program, Shanghai’s Million Tree Project, and Chengdu’s Recycling Program are long-standing efforts that have made a substantial impact upon the environment and community.