🔗 Share this article

The world might be facing challenges, however optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage individuals to act.

The medal will be given in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good so we have to begin to reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that the medal will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”