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Our planet could be under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think due to the unique bond she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to commence reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal can motivate positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”