A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall Will Honor Individuals Acting to Better the World.

The world is under pressure, but optimism persists. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise those who advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must really start thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming contested when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, assists young people get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”