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Our planet could be under strain, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who protect the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the very special connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to really start reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor will spur positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”