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Our planet might be under pressure, but optimism persists. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to encourage individuals 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 will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a 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, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must really start reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”