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Earth is under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus will motivate individuals to make a difference.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the very special relationship she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good so we have to really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic today was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become contested where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will inspire action. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“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 the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”