🔗 Share this article

Our planet is under strain, but there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate individuals to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Present governance globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good therefore we must begin to reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”