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Earth could be under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the close relationship she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good so we have to really start thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about the positive actions that people are making.”