The Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Honor Individuals Acting to Improve the Planet.

Our planet could be under pressure, but there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will motivate individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the close bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good which means we need to commence reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – 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 false information. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become contested when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will spur action. “The purpose is encouraging people to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, people can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”