🔗 Share this article

Our planet is under strain, but optimism persists. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think due to the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good which means we need to commence reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal can motivate action. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”