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Our planet might be under pressure, however there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire individuals to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise those who advocate for the natural world.

Award Details

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

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to begin to reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of false information. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become contested when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal will spur positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference 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 about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”