A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall Will Recognise Those Working to Better the World.

Our planet is under strain, but there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage individuals to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good so we have to really start thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today involves the spread of false information. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that this honor can motivate positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, people can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”