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Our planet could be under strain, but there is hope. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think because of the unique connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to begin to reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that the medal will inspire action. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”