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Earth might be under strain, but there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to motivate individuals to act.

The medal will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement 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 Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think due to the close relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

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

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good so we have to begin to reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal will inspire action. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”