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The world could be facing challenges, however there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to inspire the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think due to the close bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must really start thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of false information. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, people can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps young people get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”