A Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Recognise Those Acting to Improve the World.

Earth might be facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to motivate individuals to take action.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good so we have to commence reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard wildlife around us.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, helps young people get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”