🔗 Share this article

The world might be facing challenges, however optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage individuals to act.

The medal will honor to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the close connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

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

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must commence reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus 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 a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal will inspire action. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, assists young people get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall 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. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about constructive efforts currently in progress.”