🔗 Share this article

The world could be facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

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

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this medal, 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 due to the close connection she shared with the festival.”

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

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

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

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to begin to reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with the other animals around us.”

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

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”