Seedlings new focus for Goodall

To highlight the importance of ensuring the survival of endemic species, Jane Goodall, the well-known British primatologist, yesterday planted seedlings of two native trees at a Taipei elementary school.

The planting ceremony at the Taipei Mandarin Experimental Primary School marked the launch of the Green Thumb Project, which is being carried out by Jane Goodall Institute Taiwan to introduce endemic plants to campuses.

Students will have chances to take care of such native trees during their stay at the school.

"This will be a great chance for students to learn how to appreciate endemic species of plants," said Chen Lu-ping (陳綠萍), the principal of the school.

Before planting seedlings of Prunus phaeostica (墨點櫻桃) and Cyclobalanopsis gilva (赤皮), Goodall entertained students with an imitation of a chimpanzee's call, much to the students delight and applause.

Goodall told the students that she not only enjoyed seeing the wonderful views in Taroko National Park but also the rare plants at Fushan Botanical Garden.

"You're so lucky to have such a wonderful place," Goodall said.

She added that the Green Thumb Project was one of the favorites of the institute and it aims to highlight the importance of preserving a good environment for local species.

Goodall's idea has caught the attention of local ecologists. Experts at the Council of Agriculture's Taiwan Forestry Research Institute agreed to assist in the promotion of native plants on campuses.

"If we can grow endemic species of plants at home, we can safeguard precious genetic resources," said Yang Jenq-Chuan (楊政川), the head of the Institute.

Yang said that ecological systems had been disturbed by exotic plants, which leave less room for native plants to grow. Growing such plants on campuses or in communities was the start of a kind of afforestation.

Nita Ing (殷琪), chairwoman of the Taiwan High-Speed Railway Corp donated NT$1 million on behalf of her company to promote the project.

"To find the balance between environmental protection and development is essential to industry, government and the public," Ing said.

Last year the corporation donated NT$1 million to the institute to carry out the "Roots and Shoots" project that aims at making the world a better place to live.

Kang Phee-boon (江丕文), president of the Jane Goodall Institute Taiwan, said yesterday that they hope to promote the Green Thumb Project in about 200 schools.

"Endemic trees adapt easily to circumstances and are attractive to insects. This definitely aids our understanding of nature," Kang said.

The project has interested schools around the country.

Goodall will leave Taiwan today at the end of an eight-day stay.