EU hosts reception in honour of world-renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall

28.08.2023 Press and information team of the Delegation to UGANDA

European Union Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek had the pleasure to host a reception at the EU residence in honour of world-renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall during her visit to Uganda last week.

Ambassador Sadek, Dr Goodall and Minister Butime toast

Dr Jane Goodall, a United Nations Messenger of Peace and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, visited Uganda to celebrate 25 years of existence of the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which provides a safe home for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. At the event, Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities Minister Tom Butime launched the National Chimpanzee Conservation Strategy for Uganda (2023-2033), a framework document for the sustainable conservation of chimpanzees and their habitats in Uganda.

Dr Jane Goodall launches the Uganda National Chimpazee Conservation Strategy

European Union Delegation to Uganda

Because of the growing number of humans and an increasingly lavish lifestyle with some people, we are making too great a demand on the natural resources, taking up too much habitat away from animals and then we get wildlife-human conflict Dr Goodall said, adding, “The Chimpanzee conservation campaign we are signing tonight is very important.” High profile guests drawn from across the world attended the reception including government authorities, private sector and civil society leaders.

Dr Jane Goodall addressing guests at the EU residence

European Union Delegation to Uganda

Ambassador Sadek highlighted the European Union’s long-standing partnership with Uganda on environment conservation and wildlife protection, and affirmed Team Europe’s support to Uganda on both local and international global commitments towards reducing biodiversity loss.

We have supported the cooperation between Queen Elizabeth and the Virunga national parks, we have come to the rescue of the tourism sector during the difficult Covid times, we have actively engaged the Government of Uganda and other key stakeholders around the protection of Bugoma forest, to mention a few interventions of ours said Ambassador Sadek.

EU Ambassador Sadek addressing guests at the Goodall reception

European Union Delegation to Uganda

“There is a need to recognise the value of chimpanzees and other wild animal species in decision-making and demonstrate ambitious actions to conserve the country’s remaining chimpanzee populations and their habitats across the country,” said Minister Butime.

Minister Butime addresses guests at the Jane Goodall reception

European Union Delegation to Uganda

Before the event, the EU Delegation arranged a special meet and greet session with Dr Goodall for the Heads of Missions of the EU Member States present in Uganda.