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Our planet could be facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

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 Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must begin to reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal will inspire action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists young people become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about the positive actions currently in progress.”