🔗 Share this article

Our planet is under pressure, but optimism persists. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate individuals to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the unique bond she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

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

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern currently was highlighted of false information. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”