A Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Honor Those Acting to Better the Planet.

Earth is under strain, but there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire individuals to act.

The medal will honor in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

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

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally represents a war on science. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to really start thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern currently was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that this honor will inspire action. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, pointing to the work of an institute which, among its other activities, helps the next generation get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”