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Our planet could be under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will encourage people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

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

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the close connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe it was an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal can motivate action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about the positive actions that people are making.”