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The world is under pressure, yet there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for the natural world.

Award Details

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

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close relationship she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must really start thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal will spur action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, 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 this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”