🔗 Share this article

Our planet is under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good so we have to commence reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present was highlighted of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested when politics are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal can motivate positive change. “It’s about motivating others to participate and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that people are making.”