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Our planet could be under strain, however there is hope. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to inspire the public to make a difference.

The medal will be given to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the close connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to begin to reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of false information. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth 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 aspiration is that the medal will inspire action. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, people can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that people are making.”