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The world might be facing challenges, but optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

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

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents a war on science. So this undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”