🔗 Share this article

Earth could be under strain, but optimism persists. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire people to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the unique relationship she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”