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Earth might be under strain, yet there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to motivate individuals to make a difference.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the very special bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate globally is conducting a war on science. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to begin to reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal will spur positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”