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The world might be under pressure, but there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to encourage the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the close bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good so we have to begin to reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of false information. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to 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 regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”