🔗 Share this article

Our planet could be under strain, but optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage the public to act.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must begin to reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of false information. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will spur action. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the youth get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”