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Earth is under pressure, however optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire people to act.

The medal will honor in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think due to the very special bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to really start reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern currently involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal can motivate action. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to care and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists young people become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”