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Our planet might be facing challenges, yet optimism persists. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise those who champion life on Earth.

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 next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the very special connection she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

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

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists young people become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”