A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Honor Individuals Striving to Better the World.

Earth could be under strain, yet there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will motivate the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the unique bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, 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 that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming contested when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”