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The world is under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise those who protect the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the very special relationship she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good so we have to begin to thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

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

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal can motivate action. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the work of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”