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Earth might be under strain, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the unique connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good therefore we must commence thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change the way we treat wildlife around us.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that this honor can motivate positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”