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Our planet is facing challenges, however there is hope. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will motivate individuals to make a difference.

The medal will be given to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the close relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

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

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good which means we need to commence thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat wildlife around us.”

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

“We realised that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will inspire positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists young people get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”