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The world is facing challenges, however optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate the public to act.

The medal will be given in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must begin to reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to follow her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”