A Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Honor Those Working to Improve the World.

The world could be under pressure, yet optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the very special relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good which means we need to begin to reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of false information. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur action. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”