🔗 Share this article

The world could be under pressure, yet optimism persists. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to inspire individuals to take action.

The medal will be given to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the very special bond she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to really start thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”