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Our planet might be facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will encourage individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the unique bond she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient 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 a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good which means we need to really start reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of false information. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor will spur positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the work of an institute which, among its other activities, assists the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”