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The world is under strain, yet there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

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

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the very special bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”