The Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall Will Honor Individuals Acting to Better the Planet.

Our planet is facing challenges, yet there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to inspire individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who protect the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”