A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall Will Recognise Those Striving to Improve the World.

Earth could be under strain, however optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will encourage the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the very special connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation represents a war on science. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good which means we need to commence reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will spur positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, people can be diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”