🔗 Share this article

The world might be under strain, yet there is hope. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to motivate people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think due to the close connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal will inspire action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts currently in progress.”