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Earth might be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“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 a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to begin to reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”