🔗 Share this article

Our planet might be facing challenges, however optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise those who advocate for the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think because of the close relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on such efforts,” 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 encompass various fields.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good therefore we must begin to thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will inspire positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”