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Our planet is under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to motivate individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the close bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

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

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good so we have to commence reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with the other animals around us.”

Another key issue today involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor will spur positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”