TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — World-renowned conservationist and Tang Prize laureate Jane Goodall will establish the Jane Goodall Sustainability Academy in Taipei as part of the “Conservation Projects of Asia,” according to the Tang Prize Foundation.

Goodall signed an agreement with the Tang Prize Foundation on Wednesday (Aug. 11) to launch a series of three projects funded by a Tang Prize grant of NT$10 million (US$360,000). Other projects include Project Monyet in West Malaysia and the Hope Project in India.

According to the foundation, the Jane Goodall Sustainability Academy will be “Asia’s first experimental elementary school that focuses on conservation and sustainability issues.” Project Monyet will educate Malaysians about primates, while the Hope Project will promote nature awareness among youth in India.

Upon receiving the Tang Prize in 2020, Goodall said that humans have brought natural disasters and even pandemics on ourselves by disrespecting nature. The destruction of natural habitats has forced different species to come into contact, leading to pathogens transcending barriers between species and creating zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19.

She added that humans need to think of a new way to relate to nature. The educational nature of the Conservation Projects of Asia, which emphasizes lessons and workshops that engage young people, reflects Goodall’s belief in communication.

According to Goodall, communication is key to changing the minds of those who put more faith in economic growth than in conservation. Not only does one need to connect with them, but one also has to listen to their beliefs before trying to reach their hearts, she said.