The Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Celebrate Those Acting to Improve the Planet.

Our planet might be under pressure, but there is hope. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will encourage the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who protect the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the unique connection she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance globally represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to really start reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern at present is the proliferation of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal will inspire action. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”