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The world could be under strain, yet optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who champion the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must really start thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal can motivate action. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, people can be diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference 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 give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”