A Jane Goodall Earth Medal to Celebrate Those Striving to Better the World.

Our planet is facing challenges, but optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage people to make a difference.

The medal will be given to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former 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 statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals around us.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor will inspire action. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference 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 raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”