Our testimonials
Read the opinions of our team, our volunteers and our partners on our actions and our work!
Testimonials
Sylva Nova
Since 2019, Sylva Nova has been a loyal operational partner of JGIB for its participatory planting projects in Belgium. Even though the program is essentially the same from one year to the next, each edition of Forest In One Day remains unique and is an event we look forward to. Whatever the weather conditions, sometimes very wet, windy, or cold, whatever the terrain to be planted, from the most accessible to the most difficult, rocky, or sometimes swampy... We are always delighted to welcome enthusiastic participants eager to learn how to plant one, two, three, or dozens of trees alongside us. Over the years, we have built a solid partnership with the JGIB team, not to mention the unforgettable meeting with Jane in 2022! We recommend that companies concerned about the planet, the younger generations, and the quality of our life on earth turn to the JGIB and its tailor-made projects in Africa and Belgium.
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Paula Navarro
Volunteering with JGI Belgium gave me the opportunity to turn this passion into action. When I saw I had the chance to do an internship with JGI, I didn’t hesitate. It’s a great privilege to be part of this organization and meet people who strive and work for a better world.
For me, the most rewarding part has been being able to do my part by creating my own project for Roots & Shoots and seeing it come to life. I have felt very supported by the JGI team and really pleased with how things are turning out when we decide to take action.
Céline Parralo-Risco
Working with JGI has given me the opportunity to turn my passion for nature into concrete action. I have been able to deepen my understanding of environmental challenges while contributing to projects that create real impact. This experience has strengthened my conviction that protecting the natural world requires both knowledge and action.
It has also shown me how vital it is to engage communities, inspire younger generations, and build lasting connections between people and the environment. Every project is a reminder that even small steps can inspire broader change and help shape a more sustainable future.
Els Martens
I was honored to be invited to join the Board of Directors of the Jane Goodall Institute in 2020, shortly after my retirement from the Flanders Agency for Nature and Forests, and grateful for a new challenge! As a volunteer, I committed myself to strengthening the Roots & Shoots program by promoting environmental awareness and empowering young minds through education and hands-on learning. Although it took quite a bit of effort and time in the early years, it was not only the educational aspect that made the experience special, but also the way the children's faces lit up when they learned something new or when they proudly showed off the tree they had planted or the birdhouse they had repaired.
As time went by, I found myself becoming more and more involved, not only with Roots & Shoots, but also with events, advocacy, and animal welfare... JGI didn't just educate children about nature or plant trees with corporate partners; it planted seeds of hope and responsibility that would grow far beyond classrooms or offices and forge bonds along the way. Experiencing how a spark of inspiration can bring about change gives me an energy boost and enthusiasm to support the further growth and impact of JGI.
Ellen Suetens
Over the years, I've developed a deep interest in nature conservation and animal welfare, both in Europe and Africa. The work and mission of the Jane Goodall Institute align perfectly with this. Their global commitment to people, animals, and nature, combined with their local activities in Belgium, is incredibly valuable to me.
Now that I have more time after a long professional career, I want to actively contribute to this cause. I've noticed a large group of dedicated volunteers working with them, which I find fantastic. I personally want to contribute to raising awareness and inspiring our youth so that they will also consciously pay more attention to nature and animal welfare in the future, with a positive, hopeful message. I'm also convinced that large companies need to be much more involved to truly make a difference. It's incredibly inspiring to be part of this movement.
