🔗 Share this article

Our planet could be facing challenges, yet optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire the public to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the close bond she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform how we regard the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal can motivate positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”