🔗 Share this article

Earth might be under pressure, yet optimism persists. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus will motivate people to take action.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the very special bond she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good therefore we must commence reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”