A Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Honor Those Working to Improve the World.

The world could be facing challenges, yet there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will motivate people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise those who protect the natural world.

Award Details

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

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the very special bond she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good so we have to really start thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal can motivate action. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the youth get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”