The Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall Will Celebrate Those Acting to Improve the World.

Earth might be facing challenges, but there is hope. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the close bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good so we have to commence thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”