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Earth could be under strain, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire individuals to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think because of the close relationship she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

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

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good so we have to begin to reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change our relationship with the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become contested when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will spur positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”