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Our planet is under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the very special connection she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

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

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good therefore we must really start reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming contested when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the work of an institute that, among its other activities, assists the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”