For most of us, having a famous grandparent means bragging rights and maybe a slightly cooler Christmas card. For Merlin Van Lawick, it means inheriting the legacy of Jane Goodall, conservation icon, and now, stepping into some very big shoes at the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI).
Van Lawick, who splits his time between Tanzania and the global stage, recently chatted with Mongabay at the ChangeNOW 2026 forum in Paris. He's been connected to JGI his entire life, which makes sense, given his lineage. But with his grandmother's passing in 2025 (let that satisfying number sink in for a moment), his role has become decidedly more hands-on.
Before diving into an MBA, Van Lawick wasn't just observing from afar. He was on the ground in Tanzania, working directly with local communities. He saw the nitty-gritty, the often-frustrating reality of conservation challenges. Because it turns out, saving the planet isn't always glamorous; sometimes it involves a lot of talking, a lot of listening, and a fair bit of paperwork.
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Start Your News DetoxNow, he's a key player on JGI's conservation science and communications team, bringing that on-the-ground perspective to the bigger picture. He's got his sights set on increasing conservation impact, tackling biodiversity loss, and — perhaps most crucially in our current climate — helping NGOs actually get the funding they need to do their vital work. Which, if you think about it, is both impressive and slightly terrifying.
Van Lawick emphasizes JGI's commitment to involving more communities in environmental efforts. It's a pragmatic approach that acknowledges the uphill battle while still rooting itself in the very real, very necessary act of hope. Because, as he puts it, "Hope is rooted in action." And apparently, so is inheriting a legendary conservation mantle.
