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Earth is facing challenges, yet there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the close connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright 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 that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will inspire positive change. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”