Taipei: World-renowned zoologist and environmental campaigner Jane Goodall praised Taiwan for its progress in wildlife conservation over the past three decades, while also offering suggestions to improve human-wildlife coexistence during her 18th visit to the country.

According to Focus Taiwan, Goodall, who first visited Taiwan in 1996, remarked on the substantial environmental advancements she has observed over the years. "When I first came, there was very little attention being paid to the environment," she mentioned during an interview at the Tang Prize Foundation in Taipei. At 91, she expressed admiration for the increasing conservation efforts, noting that each visit reveals more work being done.

Well-known for her extensive study of wild chimpanzees in Tanzania, Goodall shared that people in Taiwan have recounted various stories about protecting the environment and wildlife, including initiatives like cleaning rivers and rescuing coral habitats. During her current visit, which began last Wednesday, she engaged in several activities across Taiwan, such as attending a coral conservation event in Keelung and delivering a lecture in Taipei.

Addressing the issue of human-animal coexistence, particularly concerning the endangered Formosan black bear, Goodall identified habitat loss as a key factor driving wildlife into urban areas. She emphasized the importance of education in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts and advocated for the creation of wildlife corridors. These corridors, she explained, are essential for maintaining ecological processes by allowing animals to move freely between habitats.

In her efforts to engage the younger generation, Goodall highlighted the importance of empowering youth to address environmental challenges. She stressed that previous generations have compromised the future of young people, and initiatives like her "Roots and Shoots" program aim to foster environmental consciousness among youth. This program operates in 75 countries, including Taiwan, engaging participants from kindergarten to university.

Goodall, who travels extensively for her advocacy work, remains optimistic despite global challenges such as biodiversity loss and climate change. She urged the utilization of global networks to slow down climate change, citing a "window of time" identified by scientists for effective action. Her connection to Taiwan is further solidified by her recognition as the 2020 Tang Prize laureate in Sustainable Development.

The Tang Prize, established by Taiwanese entrepreneur Samuel Yin, recognizes significant contributions in sustainable development, biopharmaceutical science, sinology, and the rule of law. Although unable to attend the 2020 award ceremony due to the pandemic, Goodall met with Tang Prize Foundation Chairman Yin Chung-yao during her visit, adding her signature to the "Table of Honor" at the foundation.