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Earth could be facing challenges, but there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the close connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently was highlighted of false information. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire action. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”