A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Recognise Those Working to Better the Planet.

The world is facing challenges, however optimism persists. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to motivate people to take action.

The medal will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the close connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight 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.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to really start reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal will inspire positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that people are making.”