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The world is under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire the public to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the very special relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good which means we need to really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of false information. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will spur positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, assists young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, 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 this medal will offer support and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”