🔗 Share this article

The world is facing challenges, however there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

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

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the close bond she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

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

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good therefore we must really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal can motivate action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, people can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”