🔗 Share this article

The world might be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire individuals to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think because of the very special bond she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good therefore we must really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently involves the spread of false information. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

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

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will spur action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists young people get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”