🔗 Share this article

The world could be under strain, but there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage the public to make a difference.

The medal will be given to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the close bond she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

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 will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally is conducting a war on science. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good so we have to really start reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change the way we treat the other animals around us.”

A major topic currently is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor can motivate positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about the positive actions that people are making.”