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The world is facing challenges, however optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate individuals to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed 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 this to happen. This is likely because of the very special connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good therefore we must really start reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals around us.”

Another key issue today involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal will inspire action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”