The Jane Goodall Earth Medal to Celebrate Individuals Acting to Better the Planet.

The world could be under strain, however there is hope. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to encourage people to act.

The medal will be given to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think because of the very special relationship she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to commence reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic currently was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor will spur action. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”