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Our planet is under strain, but there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the close bond she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to commence reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently involves the spread of false information. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions 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 provide inspiration and raise awareness about the positive actions currently in progress.”