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Earth is facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage people to make a difference.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the close bond she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance globally represents a war on science. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must commence thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal will inspire action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”