🔗 Share this article

The world could be facing challenges, yet optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will motivate people to make a difference.

The medal will honor in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think because of the very special connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to really start reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently was highlighted of false information. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the work of an institute which, among its other activities, helps the next generation get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”