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Our planet could be facing challenges, however there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will motivate people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think due to the close bond she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance globally is conducting a war on science. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must begin to thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal will spur concrete steps. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists young people get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about constructive efforts currently in progress.”