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

Our planet could be under pressure, however there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to motivate people to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in honour of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the very special bond she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to commence reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of false information. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal will inspire action. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about constructive efforts currently in progress.”