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

Earth could be facing challenges, yet optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate individuals to take action.

The medal will be given in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think because of the close bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must begin to reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change the way we treat the other animals around us.”

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

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will inspire positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”