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Our planet could be under pressure, yet there is hope. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

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

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor will inspire action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”