A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Honor Individuals Acting to Better the World.

Earth is under strain, but there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to encourage people to take action.

The medal will honor in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think because of the unique connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to begin to thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, assists young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”