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Earth is under strain, yet optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate individuals to take action.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the close connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of false information. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor can motivate positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”