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The world is facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate people to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for 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 October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

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

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good which means we need to commence thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will spur action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the work of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”