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Our planet could be under pressure, but there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire individuals to take action.

The medal will honor in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

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

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think due to the close bond she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must begin to reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor can motivate positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”