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The world might be under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire people to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become contested where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about constructive efforts that people are making.”