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The world is under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to inspire the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the unique bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must begin to reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic currently was highlighted of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal can motivate action. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists young people become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”