The Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Honor Individuals Working to Better the World.

Our planet could be under strain, but optimism persists. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate the public to act.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the unique relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good which means we need to commence reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal will spur 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 must look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about constructive efforts that people are making.”