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Our planet is under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will motivate the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the very special bond she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

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

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

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to really start reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming contested when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor will spur action. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists young people get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”