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Our planet is facing challenges, however optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special connection she shared with us.”

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

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

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

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Present governance globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good so we have to begin to thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the work of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers young people get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, 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. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”