🔗 Share this article

Earth might be under pressure, however optimism persists. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will encourage people to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who protect life on Earth.

Award Details

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

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special relationship she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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 modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good which means we need to begin to reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”