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The world might be under pressure, but there is hope. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to inspire people to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think because of the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to commence thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”