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Our planet is facing challenges, yet there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to motivate people to act.

The medal will honor in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

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

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close bond she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must really start reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal can motivate action. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”