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Our planet is facing challenges, yet there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to inspire the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for the natural world.

Award Details

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

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the close connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to commence reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, assists young people get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”