🔗 Share this article

The world could be under strain, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate individuals to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the close bond she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance globally represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good so we have to really start reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic currently was highlighted of false information. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”