🔗 Share this article

The world could be under strain, but optimism persists. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to commence reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern currently was highlighted of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal will inspire action. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, helps the next generation get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, 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 offer support and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”