A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall Will Celebrate Those Working to Better the Planet.

Our planet might be under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to inspire the public to act.

The medal will be given in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the unique bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must commence thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

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

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”