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Our planet might be facing challenges, however there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to encourage the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

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

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the close bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will inspire action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”