The Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Recognise Those Working to Improve the World.

The world could be facing challenges, yet there is hope. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire the public to act.

Image from a Starmus event.
An event related to the Starmus festival.

The medal will honor in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the unique connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good therefore we must begin to reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal will inspire action. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists young people get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about the positive actions that people are making.”
Steve Curry
Steve Curry

Elara is a wellness coach and writer passionate about holistic health and empowering others through mindful living practices.