🔗 Share this article

Our planet could be under strain, however there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage individuals to act.

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

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the very special relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur action. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”