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Earth might be facing challenges, yet optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to motivate the public to take action.

The medal will honor in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the very special bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to commence reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become contested where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will spur positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, people can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the work of an institute which, among its other activities, helps the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”