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The world might be under strain, yet there is hope. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to encourage individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the very special connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to begin to reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe it was an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change the way we treat wildlife around us.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal will spur action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”