The upcoming event – scheduled for February 10-13, 2009 – will address various issues related to developing a sustainable planet using geospatial technologies.

Dr. Goodall began her landmark study of chimpanzees in Tanzania in June 1960. Her work at what was then called Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve would become the foundation of primatological research and redefine the relationship between humans and animals. In 1977, Dr. Goodall established the Jane Goodall Institute, which continues the Gombe research and is a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. The Institute is widely recognized for innovative, community-centered conservation and development programs in Africa and Roots & Shoots, its global environmental and humanitarian youth program, which has tens of thousands of members in almost 100 countries. Dr. Goodall travels an average 300 days per year, speaking about the threats facing chimpanzees, other environmental crises and her reasons for hope that humankind will solve the problems it has imposed on the earth.

“I commend GIS Development’s efforts to bring awareness to the importance of creating a sustainable environment using geospatial technologies,” said Dr. Goodall. “Now is the time for us all to act to save this beautiful planet and its inhabitants. I am honored to be part of this year’s Map World Forum, which will bring together professionals from the geospatial and user domains to think of ways to protect the earth using state-of-the-art technologies.”

“We are so pleased to have Dr. Goodall join us at Map World Forum,” said Sanjay Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of GIS Development. “With her rich experience and deep understanding of wildlife and the effect of human activity on nature, Dr. Goodall will be able to provide a new and dynamic perspective to the Forum. I am confident that with inputs from a stalwart like Dr. Goodall, Forum participants will gain a better understanding of wildlife and learn what they can do to make the world a better place.” Map World Forum is organised by GIS Development under the patronage of the Government of India’s Department of Science and Technology. Major international Geospatial Societies supporting Map World Forum include the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), Geospatial Information Technology Association (GITA), the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) and the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). Map World Forum will be promoted across the globe by media partners Directions Media, GIM International and ASM Newsletter.

This year’s Map World Forum will include high-profile keynote remarks, guest lectures and plenary speeches addressing important issues and challenges facing the globe. There will also be four seminars, four theme-based symposia, three forums, as well as various technical sessions and workshops. In addition, there will be panel discussions, technology shows, user meets and social programmes. State-ofthe- art technologies and applications will be showcased throughout the 3000-square-metre grand exhibition hall, which will be central to the Forum.

About GIS Development

GIS Development is an organisation dedicated to developing a Global Geospatial Communications Network. It strives to promote and propagate the use of geospatial technologies in various application areas for economic and social development. It remains dedicated to foster the growing network of those interested in geo-informatics worldwide and particularly in Asia. Through its activities - Magazine, Portal, Conferences, Training, Education and Research - it assists communities and governments in developing capabilities, policies and programmes as well as facilitates knowledge transfer to grassroot level. For more information about the Jane Goodall Institute and the Roots & Shoots program, please visit www.janegoodall.org and www.rootsandshoots.org.