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The world is facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will encourage people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the very special connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good so we have to commence reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will spur positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”