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Earth is under strain, but a sense of hope remains. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the close connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must really start reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to care and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”