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Our planet could be facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire individuals to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the close connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment a better place 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 noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to commence reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”