Reason to celebrate: Dr. Jane Goodall becomes international ambassador of Hamburg European Green Capital

Jane Goodall DBE (Dame of the British Empire) becomes international ambassador of the Green Capital Hamburg. On September 3rd, the hanseatic city honours the 77-year-old primatologist, environmental activist and UN Ambassador of Peace for her long-standing commitment. Thus, an additional highlight has been added to her schedule. With the event series “Stories & Music from her Life´s Journey”, the Jane Goodall Institute Germany (JGI), together with partners from business, media and politics, is organising a programme, providing the public with the rare opportunity to hear very personal stories – from her touching and moving life - from one of the most fascinating scientists and extraordinary women of our time. During the event, Jane Goodall is also presenting her latest book “Hope for Animals and Their World”.

A year with many highlights
There are plenty of reasons to celebrate for the environmentalist and her worldwide operating organisation: In addition to the honour of becoming ambassador for Hamburg and the launch of her latest book in Germany, she celebrates especially the 50st anniversary of her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees in the Gombe National Park in Tanzania. One-year anniversary also celebrates the 27th and youngest member of the organisation, the German Jane Goodall Institute in Munich. ““Stories & Music from her Life´s Journey” will therefore be a very special evening for us as well”, says Monica Lieschke, Managing Director of the German Jane Goodall Institute. The programme is organised with two outstanding musicians, world musician and composer Wolfgang Netzer, who also composed the soundtrack for the film “Jane´s Journey”, and the famous Italian jazz clarinetist Gabriele Mirabassi. The evening will be hosted by Dirk Steffens, presenter of ZDF science magazine Terra Xpress.

„We are delighted to have Dr. Jane Goodall as international ambassador for the European Green Capital 2011 Hamburg.”, says Jutta Blankau, Senator for Environment of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. “It is an honour to have a personality like her at our side to promote more environmental commitment, particularly this year.” Jane Goodall: “ With its proposals and initiatives, this years European Green Capital Hamburg gives an example how each individual can make a personal contribution to environmental and climate protection. This message is motivating and I am pleased to carry it.” Prominent supporters were found for the charity event in Hamburg. Monica Lieschke: “Our special thanks go to Opel Project Earth, the city of Hamburg and National Geographic Germany."

Information about the event
3rd September 2011, Hotel Atlantic Kempinski, Hamburg, 8pm (doors open 7pm).
Tickets for the event are available online (www.eventim.de) and at local ticket agencies.
Remaining tickets may be available at the box office.

On the eve of the Hamburg event, on Friday, September 2nd at 5pm, Hamburg cinema ABATON is screening the film “Jane´s Journey”, which was awarded with the “Green Oscar” by Cinema for Peace. Director Lorenz Knauer and Monica Lieschke, Managing Director of the German Jane Goodall Institute, will be present.

Jane Goodall Institute Germany
The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is a global non-governmental organisation campaigning for human beings, animals and the environment. Founded in 1977 by chimpanzee researcher, environmentalist and UN Messenger of Peace Jane Goodall, JGI is a leader in protecting chimpanzees and their habitats. The Institute is also known for its innovative nature and development programmes in Africa and its global programme “Roots & Shoots”. In more than 120 countries, the initiative encourages children, teenagers and young adults to work with independent non-profit action and engage towards humans, animls and the environment. The German JGI was founded 2010 and has its headquarter in Munich.

More information: www.janegoodall.de and www.janegoodall.org