🔗 Share this article

Earth might be facing challenges, but optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will encourage individuals to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the very special relationship she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to begin to reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard wildlife around us.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of false information. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor will spur action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”