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Earth might 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.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the unique relationship she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today involves the spread of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate action. “The purpose is encouraging people to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”