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The world could be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

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

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the unique bond she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation undermines collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must really start reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern currently was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that this honor will inspire action. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, assists the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”