🔗 Share this article

Earth could be under strain, however optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, 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 because of the very special connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to begin to thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal can motivate positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”