The Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Celebrate Those Acting to Better the Planet.

Earth could be under pressure, but there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the close connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor can motivate positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”