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Our planet might be facing challenges, but optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to motivate people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the close connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to begin to reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue today involves the spread of disinformation. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor will spur positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”