🔗 Share this article

Earth could be facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good therefore we must commence reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal can motivate action. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the work of an institute which, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference 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 provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”