The Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall Will Celebrate Individuals Working to Better the World.

Our planet is facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to inspire individuals to act.

The medal will honor in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

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

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to commence reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will inspire positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, people can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”