Lady Lori was pleased to see that renowned British primatologist Jane Goodall was honoured with The Observer’s lifetime achievement award.
Goodall was recognised for her extraordinary contribution to the development of our understanding of the natural world, particularly broadening our knowledge of the habits of chimpanzees, her enduring role in promoting social justice and acting as an advocate for environmental protection.
Jane Goodall first came to the attention of the public when, at 26, she travelled from England to what is today Tanzania and entered the little-known world of wild chimpanzees. By spending time patiently observing them, she gained their trust, unearthing fascinating facets of the life of chimpanzees and community, and observing how closely their behaviour mirrored our own.
Today, Jane’s work revolves around inspiring action on behalf of endangered species, particularly chimpanzees, and encouraging people to do their part to make the world a better place for people, animals, and the environment.
Lucy Siegle (the Observer’s ethical living correspondent and TV presenter hosting the Observer’s Ethical Awards ceremony) said: “Jane Goodall has been recognised by our panel for her outstanding contribution to environmental and social justice. She has extraordinary ecological instinct. From a young age, when others considered natural history a curio or a form of entertainment, she was already making vital connections to ecosystem preservation instinctively understanding that we had more to learn from chimpanzees than they from us. To this day she remains a tireless promoter of the planet, continuing to join the dots between essential ecological rights and vulnerable ecosystems. I am so grateful that we are able to formalise our devotion to this woman with an award!”
The Observer Ethical Awards are now in their seventh year of celebrating the projects, businesses, ideas, campaigns and activists making sustainable change a reality.
