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The world could be under strain, yet optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the close relationship she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication 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 remarked, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to commence reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

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

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal will spur concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the work of an institute which, among its other activities, helps young people get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”