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The world might be facing challenges, but there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the close relationship she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good which means we need to begin to reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”