🔗 Share this article

The world is under pressure, but optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the unique connection she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about the positive actions that people are making.”