🔗 Share this article

Our planet might be facing challenges, however optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think because of the very special connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good so we have to really start thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of false information. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps the youth get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”