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Earth might be under strain, yet optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will encourage the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the unique bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

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

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. So this really cripples collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to commence reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat wildlife around us.”

A major topic today involves the spread of false information. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”