A Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Celebrate Those Acting to Better the Planet.

Earth might be facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to motivate people to act.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the very special connection she shared with us.”

“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 that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to really start thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform how we regard the other animals around us.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal can motivate action. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”