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

Our planet is under strain, however optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will encourage people to make a difference.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to commence reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”