Dr. Goodall met with I-Mei General Manager Luis Ko, who established the I-Mei Environmental Protection Foundation, and Sean McCormack, who established the NPO Animals Taiwan. Hsuan-fen Chen, manager of Animals Taiwan and Paul Bernal, director of the Society for the Advancement of Animal Well-Being also attended. The group discussed upcoming projects, specifically a Taiwan chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and the importance of cooperation amongst the various conservation groups in Taiwan.

Dr. Goodall also explained the story behind Mr. H, a toy monkey that she has carried with her to over 50 countries. Fifteen years ago, a blind man gave her the monkey. After losing his sight, he wanted to become a magician. People told him it was impossible but he pursued his dream and succeeded. The inspiration, said Jane Goodall, wears off on those who touch him – which those present proceeded to do.

The I-Mei Environmental Protection Foundation has worked with the Jane Goodall Institute in Taiwan since 1998. The foundation also supports other environmental initiatives, including the Sea Turtle Conservation Center in Penghu, which tracks the migration and mating habits of sea turtles that visit the offshore island. When ancient trees at the Tainan Confucius Temple became infected with Brown Root Rot, I-Mei also stepped in to assist their rehabilitation.

As part of the tour, Dr. Goodall visited I-Mei’s Eco Park – an area in the factory that is set aside as a habitat for butterflies and other insects, birds and trees in danger of being cut down.

At the International Forum for Sustainable Development, Jane Goodall stressed that all ecosystems are interrelated and that as we overuse the world’s resources, we harm not just plants and animals but ourselves. “Do we really want to be the generation that uses the last of Nature’s resources?” she asked in closing.