Survival Instinct: Rethinking Our Relationship With Nature

This episode is brought to you with the particular support of Newday Impact Investing

As the world's population grows, the tension between man and nature continues to increase.  In addition, the Covid-19 crisis has created significant new challenges for conservationists and a wide range of related organizations.

This special World Chimpanzee Day edition of ESGX will explore how we can best re-think our relationship with nature.

Following an introduction to the challenges we face by ESGX co-founder Nigel Lake, we open with a special welcoming address by Jane Goodall DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, marking the 60th anniversary of her first arrival in what is now Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania.

This is followed by Kaddu Kiwe Sebunya, CEO of African Wildlife Foundation, in conversation with Cassandra Kelly. 

We then continue with stories of inspiration and hope with Ami Vitale followed by discussion Q&A with our diverse group of panelists: 

• Shivani Bhalla, Ewaso Lions
• Shifra Goldenberg, San Diego Zoo Global
• Andrea Athanas, African Wildlife Foundation
• Shawn Sugarman, Elephant Cooperation

Throughout, we explored the following questions:

1. How are frictions between people and wildlife growing?
2. Did this contribute to the COVID-19 pandemic?
3. How has funding been impacted?
4. How can we best support wildlife organizations and educators?
5. Is there hope? Where do we start?

As always, this was a live, fully interactive discussion, with our audience contributing to the debate and posing a host of thoughtful questions - thank you so much.
​  
View the program lower down this page or download the brochure.  

Introduction and context - Nigel Lake

Dame Jane Goodall

Welcome - Cassandra Kelly

Kaddu Sebunya, CEO African Wildlife Foundation

Ami Vitale, National Geographic photographer

Shivani Bhalla, Founder, Ewaso Lions

Shifra Goldenberg, San Diego Zoo Global

Andrea Athenas, African Wildlife Foundation

Shawn Sugarman

 

Join us in supporting wildlife conservation and animal welfare!

The images below provide direct links to enable you to support the work of these important organisations.

As a primary supporter of Ewaso Lions, you can also contribute through Wildlife Conservation Network.

Photo: Ami Vitale "They’ve committed their lives to protecting these creatures… they are the unsung heroes"

 

Join us in taking action!

Work together: Let’s work together for a better future – because there is hope.  Every one of us makes an impact every single day.  
Tour responsibly: Choose travel options that support wildlife - and ask tourism operators and agents what they are doing to support these causes.
Insist on diversity: There is less than 5% women leaders in conservation in Africa and that has got to change.
Gather data: Long term data is critical… when we’re thinking about how to approach conservation.

Share these messages: Please share what you've learned with friends and connections - privately and via social media - to amplify the perspectives of our guests and help build a stronger and more resilient society.