🔗 Share this article

Our planet might be under pressure, but optimism persists. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire the public to act.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must begin to thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time 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 wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming contested when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, helps young people get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”