A Jane Goodall Earth Medal to Celebrate Individuals Striving to Better the World.

Earth is facing challenges, yet there is hope. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to motivate people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

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

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good therefore we must begin to reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change the way we treat the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of false information. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor can motivate positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”