The Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall Will Honor Those Acting to Better the Planet.

Our planet is under pressure, but optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must really start reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

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

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal can motivate action. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about constructive efforts that people are making.”