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Our planet is under strain, however optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will motivate people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion 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.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the very special relationship she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

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

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to commence reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals around us.”

A major topic currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”