A Jane Goodall Earth Medal to Honor Those Acting to Better the Planet.

Earth could be under pressure, but there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage individuals to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the very special connection she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation that work,” 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’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines collective action.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good so we have to commence reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of false information. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor will spur positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”