🔗 Share this article

The world could be under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage individuals to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded 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.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the unique connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

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

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to begin to reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur action. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”