🔗 Share this article

Earth could be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to inspire people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted 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 will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to begin to reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, our daily actions make a difference 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 give encouragement and raise awareness about the positive actions that people are making.”