Erfan Firouzi, a passionate and committed young environmental advocate, recently had the profound honor of meeting Dr. Jane Goodall, the world-renowned primatologist, conservationist, and UN Messenger of Peace, at an exclusive Roots & Shoots UAE event at the Expo Terra Pavilion in Dubai. This private, invite-only event, organized solely by Roots & Shoots UAE, provided Firouzi with the rare opportunity to connect with the conservation icon and discuss their shared mission of preserving the planet’s biodiversity for future generations.
The event kicked off with Dr. Goodall’s visit to the Expo Terra Pavilion, where she engaged with youth from 12 exceptional schools out of more than 200 participating schools from across the UAE. These schools showcased their youth-driven environmental projects, demonstrating the powerful impact of the Roots & Shoots movement. The occasion was a celebration of young people’s role in solving the pressing issues of biodiversity loss and climate change. Firouzi, having been personally invited by Roots & Shoots UAE, was not only part of this transformative event but also had the rare opportunity to engage with Dr. Goodall one-on-one in a personal conversation about his work and his journey in conservation.
A Rare Opportunity to Meet a Role Model
For Firouzi, meeting Dr. Goodall was a life-changing experience. As a first-year Bachelor of Science student at Monash University, Firouzi has already made substantial contributions to the field of biodiversity conservation. He is the author of the highly regarded research book, The Year Earth Changed, and has spoken at international forums such as COP28, TEDx, and COY18. His work includes the documentation and preservation of over 300 species, ensuring that these species, which are at risk due to human activity and climate change, are preserved for future generations.
Dr. Goodall, who has spent decades studying chimpanzees and advocating for the protection of the natural world, is a figure Firouzi has long admired. As he sat across from Dr. Goodall at the Expo Terra Pavilion, Firouzi was able to share his journey as a young naturalist and biodiversity advocate, detailing his ongoing efforts to raise awareness about species extinction and the critical state of the planet’s ecosystems.
A Heartfelt Conversation About Hope, Resilience, and Action
During their intimate conversation, Firouzi shared the ways he has been advocating for biodiversity and engaging youth in conservation through platforms like Roots & Shoots India and his participation in global youth forums. He explained how his passion for conservation had led him to document endangered species, preserving over 300 specimens to ensure they remain part of scientific research for years to come. He also spoke about his TEDx talks, where he shares his journey of discovering his passion for nature and how young people can step up to protect the planet.
Reham Zia, a leader in the Roots & Shoots UAE community, introduced Firouzi to Dr. Goodall. Reham’s support and the warm introduction gave Firouzi the rare opportunity to personally share his work with his role model. This exchange was emotional for Firouzi, as he realized that Dr. Goodall was not only hearing about his work but was also recognizing the potential of his global mission.
When Firouzi shared how he had previously spoken at Roots & Shoots India, yet missed the chance to meet Dr. Goodall there, Dr. Goodall responded with words that immediately made his heart race:
“You, young man, are taking Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots around the world.”
These words meant everything to Firouzi. To be personally acknowledged by Dr. Goodall, who has been the face of Roots & Shoots for decades, was a defining moment in his conservation journey. It was a validation of his efforts, and it fueled his commitment to expanding the Roots & Shoots movement to more youth across the globe.
A Workshop at Jane Goodall Institute India: Sharing Expertise and Inspiring Change
In October 2024, Firouzi was invited to speak at the Jane Goodall Institute India (JGII), where he hosted a workshop titled “Biodiversity Under Threat.” During this session, Firouzi shared his knowledge and personal experiences on the critical state of biodiversity and the climate crisis, shedding light on how climate change is impacting the world’s ecosystems and species. The workshop was part of a larger event celebrating the upcoming International Day of Climate Action and aimed to engage youth in conversations about conservation and sustainability.
The JGII team expressed their deep appreciation for Firouzi’s insightful talk, noting that his passion and expertise had a lasting impact on their community. In an email from Nabila Sorathia, Outreach & Education Manager at Roots & Shoots India, Firouzi was thanked for his inspirational presentation and was provided with a certificate as a token of appreciation for his valuable contribution to biodiversity education.
“Your presentation resonated deeply with our audience and has inspired many to reflect on the urgent need to protect our planet’s biodiversity. Your knowledge, passion, and dedication to conservation were truly impactful,” said Nabila Sorathia.
A Personal Gift of Art: Honoring Dr. Goodall’s Legacy
Wanting to express his deep respect and admiration for Dr. Goodall, Firouzi presented her with a special gift: a painting of a chimpanzee created on a pheasant feather. The chimpanzee is an animal that Dr. Goodall has spent her life studying and protecting. By creating this piece of art, Firouzi aimed to honor Dr. Goodall’s lifelong commitment to the species she knows so well and the larger cause of wildlife preservation.
Later, Firouzi learned from Reham Zia that Dr. Goodall was deeply touched by the gift and, in fact, out of all the gifts she receives throughout her travels, this one stood out to her. She expressed that this was a meaningful gesture—one that she truly appreciated and wanted to take home with her. This was an incredibly humbling moment for Firouzi, knowing that his art had connected so deeply with Dr. Goodall, someone whose life and work had inspired his own.
Dr. Goodall’s Unwavering Faith in Youth: A Call to Action for the Future
As the meeting concluded, Dr. Goodall offered one final, deeply impactful piece of advice. She spoke about the importance of hope and how youth are the key to saving the planet. Her words left an indelible mark on Firouzi:
“Hope is not just a wish; it is the resilience of nature, the courage of those who refuse to give up, and the compassion of young minds working together to heal the world. The future is in your hands—believe in it, fight for it, and never lose hope.”
These words have become Firouzi’s personal mantra—a reminder that despite the challenges ahead, the resilience and courage of youth can make the impossible possible. Firouzi’s resolve to continue his work in conservation has been reinforced by Dr. Goodall’s unwavering faith in youth and her empowering belief in the collective power of young changemakers to drive the necessary change for the planet.
A New Chapter: Leading the Charge for Youth-Led Conservation Worldwide
Dr. Goodall’s invitation to Roots & Shoots Australia, her personal endorsement, and the meaningful recognition of Firouzi’s work have opened new doors for him to take his conservation efforts to global levels. With the support of Dr. Goodall, Firouzi is poised to continue his advocacy and mobilize youth in biodiversity preservation, with new opportunities to collaborate with other passionate young people through his connections at Roots & Shoots and his ongoing work with Nature Talks Podcast.
This historical meeting marks a pivotal moment in Firouzi’s journey, strengthening his commitment to preserving the planet’s biodiversity and expanding his reach to inspire and engage global youth in the fight for a sustainable and biodiverse future. With Dr. Jane Goodall’s legacy behind him, Firouzi is more determined than ever to take action and create a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.
