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Our planet is facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event 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 idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think due to the close relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good therefore we must really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will spur action. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”