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Our planet could be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will motivate individuals to make a difference.

The medal will honor in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the very special connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

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

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good so we have to commence thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today was highlighted of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become contested where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal will inspire positive change. “It focuses on 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 working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”