The Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Celebrate Individuals Working to Better the Planet.

The world could be facing challenges, however there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will motivate the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the very special connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists young people become engaged with their community, 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 choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”