A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Recognise Those Working to Better the Planet.

Our planet might be under strain, yet there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the close relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to commence reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor can motivate action. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, helps the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly 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. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about the positive actions currently in progress.”