Jane Goodall honoured fire youth and commended Austrian tree planting project

On October 24, over 400 young people, including about 30 members of the fire youth, gathered to meet Jane Goodall in Salzburg. 

Before the legendary primatologist shared her reasons for hope and stories from her remarkable life, Austrian Roots & Shoots groups and Austria’s fire youth showcased their projects at the “Marketplace of Possibilities.”

During her visit to Austria, renowned scientist and environmental activist Dr. Jane Goodall focused on her cherished project, Roots & Shoots. This international network of children and young people dedicated to human, animal, and environmental causes is active in Austria as well. 

As part of her visit, the tree-planting initiative by Austria's fire youth was presented and honoured.

Before the legendary primatologist shared her reasons for hope and stories from her remarkable life, Austrian Roots & Shoots groups and Austria’s fire youth showcased their projects at the “Marketplace of Possibilities.”

Several groups had the opportunity to present their projects on stage and receive certificates. Members of Salzburg’s fire youth presented the Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association’s tree-planting project, where 36,000 trees—one for each member of the fire youth—were planted across Austria.

"This morning was incredibly moving. Meeting Jane Goodall in person, exchanging ideas, and hearing about her remarkable life was truly special. She has the ability to connect with and inspire people of every generation to take action. To be so physically and mentally active at 90, traveling the world 300 days a year to inspire others, is both admirable and fascinating. This encounter further strengthens my belief in the path we have chosen, showing that  firefighters also can make a significant contribution to environmental protection and foster a healthy community,”  Fire Brigade President Robert Mayer said after the meeting.

Wonder.World.Bee.Meadow – Fire Youth Week 2025

Next year, Roots & Shoots groups and the fire youth can look forward to another innovative project: Wonder.World.Bee.Meadow. The Jane Goodall Institute Austria and BeeWild introduced this new initiative, which will invite participants from January 2025 to explore the colourful world of bee meadows and their importance to biodiversity. l

Through new educational materials, creative action plans, and engaging webinars, children and young people will learn interactively and practically about protecting bees and nature. These materials, currently being developed by experts, will be available at the beginning of 2025. 

Fire Youth Week 2025 will also take place at Easter under this theme.

Jane Goodall Inspires

In her speech, Jane Goodall thanked the young participants for their dedication and encouraged them to continue their environmental efforts. True to her motto, everyone can make a difference every single day. She shared stories of her childhood and her mother, who always supported her dream of living among wild animals in Africa, encouraging her to work hard and seize every opportunity. Jane emphasized that young people remain her greatest hope for the future.

BeeWild Award

Another highlight of the morning was the presentation of the BeeWild Award to Jane Goodall by Manfred Hohensinner and Katrin Hohensinner Häupl. BeeWild awards this honour annually to individuals who champion biodiversity and environmental stewardship.

Source: Jane Goodall Institute Austria, FEUERWEHR.AT

Photos may be used free of charge with proper credit:

For further inquiries, please feel free to contact me.

Kind regards,

Andreas Rieger, MA
Fire Director
Head of Communication, Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association

Photo Credit:  Wildbild / Herbert Rohrer