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Our planet could be under strain, but optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate individuals to take action.

The medal will honor to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who advocate for the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the close relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems 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 include several divisions.

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

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance globally is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good therefore we must really start thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal can motivate action. “The purpose is encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”