The Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Recognise Individuals Striving to Better the World.

Earth is facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage the public to act.

The medal will be given in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to commence reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal can motivate positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and once enabled, people can be diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”