China: Empowering Communities to Protect Urban Birds

In Beijing, university students created “Little Bird Studio” through the “Next Education” program — a Roots & Shoots group focused on public awareness and education for bird conservation. Over the past year, their efforts have helped communities understand the importance of protecting urban bird species.

The group compiled the “White Paper on Urban Bird Diversity and Conservation,” a guide featuring a list of bird species found in Chinese cities, the art of observing birds, the threats faced by urban birds, and how to rescue them. To spread their message further, Little Bird Studio created striking promotional materials and postcards using photographs from collaborating bird photographers — visuals designed not only to raise awareness, but to inspire action.

The group also developed bird science education packages and hosted public exhibitions, including a standout event at the Science Museum of Hefei, where interactive activities such as bird call listening, science lectures, and stamp collecting engaged participants of all ages.

Ecuador: From a Question About Capuchin Monkeys to a National Network

In June 2026, Roots & Shoots Ecuador held its first-ever National Gathering, bringing together youth from the Coast, the Andes, and the Amazon for the first time — representatives from different projects, ages, professions, and territories, united by the same purpose: generating positive change in their communities.

The network’s roots go back to 2019, when students at Universidad Ikiam grew concerned about capuchin monkeys being fed, chased, and handled by tourists in Misahuallí. What began as a small group grew — through a pandemic, a return to the field with professor Sara Álvarez, and a 2024 regional meeting in Medellín where they met Dr. Jane Goodall — into a nationwide network. “The gathering was confirmation that collective dreams can grow, connect people, and transform entire communities,” says the network’s national coordinator.

Roots & Shoots Ecuador also marked the occasion with a new website, now live in both Spanish and English at janegoodall.org.ec.

Slovakia: Patiently Restoring a Wetland, One Tree at a Time

In Bratislava, a Roots & Shoots group has been working on wetland restoration at the RAMSAR and NATURA 2000 sites along the Morava river. Last year, they returned to check on the trees they planted in 2024, replanting 50 that hadn’t survived and planning around 150 more native trees this year spring.

One Network, Countless Ways to Make a Difference

Urban bird conservation in Beijing, a nationwide gathering in Ecuador, and wetland restoration in Slovakia are three very different projects — yet each brings Dr. Jane Goodall’s vision of “making a difference” for animals, people, and the environment to life in its own way.

If you feel motivated by these stories, you can be part of this global movement. Find your local Roots & Shoots office and take action today, by joining a group or starting your own. Together, we can build a more compassionate and sustainable world.

Image Credits: R&S Beijing / JGI Ecuador/ Green Foundation