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Earth might be facing challenges, yet there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will inspire people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the unique relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must begin to reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about constructive efforts currently in progress.”