A Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Honor Individuals Striving to Better the Planet.

The world might be under strain, yet a sense of hope remains. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the very special connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced 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,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Present governance globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to commence thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal can motivate action. “The purpose is encouraging people to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the work of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”