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Earth could be under pressure, yet there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the very special bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good so we have to begin to thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is 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 goal is that this honor will spur positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, people can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”