Jane Goodall's Grandson Continues Her Conservation Work Through the Jane Goodall Institute
Similar Articles
Whitley Awards Honor Grassroots Conservationists Protecting Threatened Species
Endangered Javan Gibbon Born at U.K. Wildlife Park
Conservationist Expands Program to Protect Lions and Communities in Zimbabwe
Nature Restoration Forum Gathers Entrepreneurs and Experts at Cotswolds Farm
Indonesian Student's Grassroots Environmental Initiative Tackles Plastic Waste
Merlin Van Lawick, the grandson of the late primatologist Jane Goodall, is carrying forward her legacy through his work with the conservation organization she founded. He met with Mongabay at the ChangeNOW 2026 environmental forum in Paris to discuss his role. Van Lawick is part of the Jane Goodall Institute's science and communications team, applying his field experience and business education to its mission.
Facts First
- Merlin Van Lawick is the grandson of Jane Goodall and works for the conservation institute she founded.
- He met with Mongabay at the ChangeNOW 2026 forum in Paris to discuss his role in the organization.
- Van Lawick is part of the Jane Goodall Institute's (JGI) science and communications team, applying his MBA and field experience in Tanzania.
- He was born, raised, and lives in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where he previously worked in the field.
- Jane Goodall and Merlin Van Lawick were photographed together at a Roots and Shoots event in Dar es Salaam.
What Happened
Merlin Van Lawick, grandson of the late conservationist Jane Goodall, met with Mongabay for an interview at the ChangeNOW 2026 environmental forum in Paris. He discussed his work for the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), the conservation organization founded by his grandmother. Van Lawick is a member of JGI's conservation science and communications team, having studied for an MBA at Arden University in the U.K. after spending time working in the field in Tanzania.
Why this Matters to You
The continuity of major conservation work through family and institutional legacy helps ensure long-term environmental protection efforts, such as climate stability and biodiversity. Van Lawick's combination of on-the-ground field experience and business education may lead to more effective and sustainable conservation strategies that could influence global environmental policy and local community projects.
What's Next
Van Lawick's ongoing work with the Jane Goodall Institute will likely continue to apply his unique perspective to its conservation science and public communications. His participation in international forums like ChangeNOW suggests he may help shape and represent the institute's future initiatives on a global stage.