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The world is facing challenges, yet optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage individuals to take action.

The medal will be given to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during 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 member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the unique relationship she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to begin to thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe it was an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal will spur action. “It’s about encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”