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The world might be facing challenges, but there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will encourage the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the unique connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to commence reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”