A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Honor Individuals Acting to Better the World.

Our planet might be facing challenges, yet there is hope. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to inspire individuals to act.

The medal will honor in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that 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 with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the very special connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to commence thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor will spur positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about the positive actions currently in progress.”