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The world might be under pressure, but optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think because of the close relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good so we have to begin to reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

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

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will inspire positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”