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The world could be under pressure, however there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate the public to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

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 member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the close connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good so we have to commence reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of false information. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor can motivate positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”