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Earth is facing challenges, yet there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will encourage the public to make a difference.

The medal will honor in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to begin to reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become contested when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”