🔗 Share this article

The world might be under pressure, however there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to commence thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern currently involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”