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Our planet might be under strain, but optimism persists. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must commence thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of false information. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists the next generation get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”