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The world is facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to motivate people to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation 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 include several divisions.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good so we have to commence reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of false information. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor will spur action. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”