🔗 Share this article

Our planet is facing challenges, however optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to encourage the public to take action.

The medal will be given in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the unique connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

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

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good therefore we must really start reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”