Article courtesy of The Jane Goodall Institute

Jan. 24, 2005 — Renowned primatologist and humanitarian Jane Goodall was recently honored as an "Officier de l'Ordre de la Légion d'Honneur" for her work with primates and her extraordinary efforts to encourage positive action around the world as well as the conservation, development and education programs of the Jane Goodall Institute.

Goodall's work encompasses her famous, groundbreaking chimpanzee research as well as conservation programs, sustainable development projects and youth education.

The Jane Goodall Institute's community-centered conservation programs partner with local communities in eastern and central Africa on projects such as tree nurseries, sustainable agriculture and agroforestry, and small-loan programs for women.

Its global youth program, Roots & Shoots®, supports young people as they learn about problems in their communities and then take action.

The Institute also helps care for orphaned chimpanzees in two African sanctuaries.

In addition, Goodall travels an average of 300 days per year, speaking about the threats facing chimpanzees, other environmental crises and her reasons for hope that humankind will solve the problems it has imposed on the earth. She continually urges her audiences to recognize their personal responsibility and ability to effect change.

In 2002 U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed Goodall to serve as a U.N. Messenger of Peace.

Goodall received the Legion of Honor award on Jan. 17 in a private ceremony with Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin at l'Hotel Matignon, the prime minister's office in Paris.

The Legion of Honor, established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, is France's most prestigious honor. Past award recipients include oceanographer and environmentalist Jacques Cousteau, anti-Holocaust and human rights activist Elie Wiesel, and deaf and blind activist Helen Keller.

Jane Goodall Institute-France invited several French and foreign dignitaries to attend the event.