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

Our planet is facing challenges, but there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think due to the very special connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to commence reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

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

“We realised that factual reality has become contested when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal can motivate action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”