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Earth is under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the close connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to really start thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A major topic currently is the proliferation of false information. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal can motivate action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”