A Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Celebrate Individuals Acting to Better the World.

Earth is under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate individuals to take action.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the very special relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. So this undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good therefore we must begin to thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the work of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”