🔗 Share this article

Our planet might be facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will motivate people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think due to the close connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good so we have to begin to reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant 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 offer support and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”