A Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Honor Those Acting to Improve the World.

Earth could be facing challenges, yet there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will encourage the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents a war on science. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good therefore we must really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of false information. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that the medal will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”