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Earth could be facing challenges, however there is hope. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the close relationship she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to commence reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with the other animals around us.”

Another key issue at present was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”