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Our planet is under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will motivate the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think due to the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A major topic today involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will inspire positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, pointing to the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference 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 constructive efforts that people are making.”