🔗 Share this article

Our planet might be under strain, but there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will encourage the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think because of the very special relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

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

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard wildlife around us.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”