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Our planet is facing challenges, however optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special relationship she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“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. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to really start reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat the other animals around us.”

Another key issue at present was highlighted of false information. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal will inspire positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, assists the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that people are making.”