🔗 Share this article

The world is under strain, yet optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will inspire individuals to act.

The medal will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the unique connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must commence reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal can motivate positive change. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”