Jane Goodall was awarded the French Legion of Honour in 2006.
The French government honoured Goodall for her pioneering research on chimpanzee behaviour, her conservation work, and her efforts to protect biodiversity and communities. The presentation took place in Paris in January 2006, when French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin presented her with the insignia of an Officer of the Legion of Honour on behalf of President Jacques Chirac.
The Legion of Honour is France’s highest national order, established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. It recognises distinguished service to France or exceptional contributions to the public good. Goodall’s award reflected work that extended far beyond her early field research at Gombe Stream in Tanzania: she had become an international advocate for endangered primates, habitat protection, environmental education, and sustainable community development.
The year is sometimes confused with other major honours in Goodall’s career. She became a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2002, was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2003, and received the UNESCO 60th Anniversary Medal in 2006 as well.