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Earth is under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to encourage individuals to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who champion life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the unique relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to begin to reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become contested where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that this honor will spur positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps young people get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”