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

The world might be facing challenges, but optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to inspire the public to make a difference.

The medal will be given in honour of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will inspire action. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, helps the youth become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”