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The world could be facing challenges, but there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will inspire the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the very special connection she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good which means we need to commence reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of false information. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become contested where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts currently in progress.”