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Earth could be under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for the natural world.

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 the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment 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 prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good so we have to commence reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”