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Our planet could be under pressure, yet there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage people to act.

The medal will be given in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the close connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must begin to thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change the way we treat the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become contested when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”