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Earth is under strain, yet optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to encourage individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the very special connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to begin to reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today involves the spread of false information. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps young people get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about constructive efforts that people are making.”