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Our planet is under pressure, yet optimism persists. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to inspire the public to take action.

The medal will honor in honour of the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

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

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with the other animals around us.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of false information. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming contested when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will inspire action. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”