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Our planet might be facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will inspire people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the close connection she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to really start reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today involves the spread of false information. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

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

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal can motivate action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”