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Earth might be facing challenges, but there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to inspire the public to take action.

The medal will be given in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the unique connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must commence thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will inspire positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists young people become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”