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The world is facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the very special bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to really start thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal will spur positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”