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Our planet is under strain, however optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the close connection she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must begin to thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming contested when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal will spur positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”