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Our planet might be under pressure, yet optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, 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 close connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good so we have to begin to reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals around us.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming contested when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor will spur positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, people can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”