The Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall Will Honor Individuals Working to Better the Planet.

Our planet could be facing challenges, however optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire the public to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this undermines collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must commence thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern currently was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about the positive actions that people are making.”