Meet Aneeshwar Kunchala, 11, set to receive Jane Goodall Earth Medal
Aneeshwar Kunchala, an 11-year-old UK-based conservationist with Indian roots, is set to receive the Junior Jane Goodall Earth Medal for his work promoting wildlife conservation and biodiversity. His journey began at age four after learning about a whale's death due to plastic pollution, inspiring him to create videos and raise awareness. The award will be presented at the STARMUS VIII festival in Spain in 2026.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing importance of youth involvement in environmental activism and conservation, demonstrating how early exposure to environmental issues can inspire significant action and global recognition. It also underscores the ongoing global effort to combat plastic pollution and protect biodiversity.
Jane Goodall spent decades showing the world why protecting animals and their habitats matters to humanity. Now, an 11-year-old conservationist is preparing to carry that message to a younger generation. Aneeshwar Kunchala, a UK-based wildlife presenter with family roots in Andhra Pradesh, India, is set to receive the Junior Jane Goodall Earth Medal for his work promoting wildlife conservation and biodiversity. According to The South Asia Times, Kunchala's journey began at just four, when he learnt about a whale that had died after ingesting plastic pollution. The experience inspired him to raise awareness about the threats facing wildlife.The medal was announced by STARMUS, an international festival bringing together science, space exploration, technology, music and the arts. In a statement issued on October 10, the festival named Aneeshwar as the recipient of the Junior Jane Goodall Earth Medal, recognising his efforts to encourage children to protect the natural world.
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