🔗 Share this article

The world might be under pressure, yet optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire the public to take action.

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

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must really start reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to follow her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming contested when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal can motivate action. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the work of an institute that, among its other activities, assists the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about constructive efforts currently in progress.”