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

The world is under strain, but there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate individuals to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to commence reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

A major topic today involves the spread of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor can motivate action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”