A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall Will Recognise Individuals Working to Improve the World.

The world is under strain, yet optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will motivate individuals to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the very special relationship she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must commence reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue at present was highlighted of false information. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers young people get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts currently in progress.”