Where Nature Meets Technology

In the second of our Seeds for the Future alumni series, we were joined by world-renowned conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE. Also on the panel were Seeds’ alumna Rachel Byrne and the Huawei’s Rainforest Protection Program Director Karenina Buenafe. Various topics were discussed, including careers and how technology can have a positive effect on the environment.

Below is the highlight video of the event and quotes from each of the panelists.

Jane Goodall

On childhood

“I was 10 years old when I read Tarzan and said one day I’m going to grow up, go to Africa, live with wild animals and write books about them.”

“My amazing mother, who said if you really want to do something like this, then you’re going to have to work really hard. Take advantage of every opportunity. If you don’t give up, you may find a way.”

On tech

“We’re using GIS, GPS and satellite imagery to map the range of the chimpanzees.”

“People from the local community are learning how to use smartphones or iPads to measure the health of their village forest reserves.”

“This kind of technology is really helping us to do our work better.”

On nature’s story

“Narrative and storytelling cannot be replaced by tech. One of the most important aspects of our data collection is the written notes, it’s the storytelling. If you just try and do it all on the data collection, you lose the heart of it. So although we love technology, we’re very conscious that it’s just as important to have a narrative.”

On career

“My mother taught me when you meet somebody who doesn’t agree with you. Number one, listen to them, they may have ideas that you haven’t thought about. Two, you might get to understand why they think the way they do. And thirdly, she said, if you still think after all that, that you’re more right than they are then you must have the courage of your conviction.”

Karenina Buenafe

“Get as much experience as you can, whether academically or work”.

“Every day is an opportunity to make a difference, as it be in your life or in the world. So do not be afraid to ask.”

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Rachel Byrne

“We’ll all face hardships throughout our lives and careers, but with determination and passion to succeed in whatever you’re doing, you can.”

“My generation is lucky to come after such trailblazing women that can pass the torch to us so we can carry on their work.”

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Don’t miss the first part of the Seeds’ alumni series, featuring computer science legend John Hopcroft: Pioneering Perspectives on Computer Science.

About Seeds for the Future

Seeds for the Future is Huawei’s flagship global CSR program. Launched in 2008, the program aims to help develop skilled local ICT talent and bridge communication between countries and cultures. By sharing our ICT expertise and experiences in the global business environment, young people from different countries can learn about advanced technologies in the ICT industry.

Visit the Seeds for the Future minisite to learn more and register on our ilearningx portal to watch the webinar in full.

Disclaimer: Any views and/or opinions expressed in this post by individual authors or contributors are their personal views and/or opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views and/or opinions of Huawei Technologies.