Jane Goodall has been remembered as a "guiding light" across China, with countless people expressing admiration online to the conservationist who passed away recently at the age of ninety-one.
The British primatologist and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute was well known in China, and her research and findings were widely included in Chinese educational materials, which featured her among "accomplished females" in text books.
Her organization's primary environmental education program worked with more than 1,000 schools across the nation, and over nearly 30 years it educated 10,000 teachers and informed numerous students across multiple regions about wildlife conservation and the environment.
"Her story is truly inspiring, and I was profoundly affected by it," a science communication expert from the national museum stated.
"It's simple to make declarations, but it's extremely difficult to actually get things done and create change," Sun noted, who had encountered Dr. Goodall on many occasions.
Multiple high-profile scientists in the country offered praise to Goodall following her passing.
"Through her personal efforts, she persistently campaigned for wildlife and nature conservation, aspiring that humanity would cherish and protect nature," the specialist commented.
Another scientist from the national research institute referred to Goodall as "an exemplar for all scientists and naturalists."
Official news outlets noted the scientist's "long-standing connection with the country," which she visited for the 17th time last year, and gave an interview to national television, observing ecological improvements in China.
"Her conservation ethos and approach have influenced numerous individuals in China," reported Chinese media.
In 2017, Goodall spoke about the transformations in the nation since her initial trip two decades prior, with government efforts driven in part by the degradation of environments such as the Yangtze River basin, and the emergence of rare public protests.
"There is no doubt that more and more Chinese have grown conscious of environmental problems and the risk of the disappearance of many species due to people's actions," she remarked.
Goodall acknowledged it was accurate that China had created significant damage to the environment both locally and globally, but her message was that the nation "might pioneer efforts in phasing out the dependence on fossil fuels and create a more sustainable future."
News of her death also generated countless of interactions on online networks such as Chinese microblogging sites, where a relevant topic was viewed 120 million times, and video platforms, where Goodall shared content.
"Thank you for your contributions to animal studies and conservation, and for setting an inspiring example for women everywhere," said a user's message under Goodall's most recent video, in which she called for action and hope against human violence and environmental destruction globally occurring, and the increasing effects of global warming.
"Decades ago, I participated in the conservation initiative 'the youth program' at school, established by Dr. Goodall in my campus. It has influenced me profoundly," wrote a social media participant.
"Xi Zhilong", the founder of Wild China Film, said Dr. Goodall had become "a guiding light, guiding our path."
"The environmental principles she has sown across the globe will offer promise to this beautiful yet fragile planet," he concluded.
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