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Our planet might be facing challenges, yet optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage individuals to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a 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 representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think due to the very special relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that the medal can motivate positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”