🔗 Share this article

Earth could be under strain, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the unique relationship she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation 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 encompass various fields.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe it was an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern currently was highlighted of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor can motivate action. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the work of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that people are making.”