🔗 Share this article

The world might be under pressure, yet there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the close connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good which means we need to begin to reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change the way we treat wildlife around us.”

A major topic today involves the spread of false information. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming contested when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal will inspire action. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”