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Our planet could be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to inspire the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think due to the very special bond she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good so we have to begin to reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern currently involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, helps young people get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”