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Our planet is facing challenges, however there is hope. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to inspire the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the very special relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic today was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal will inspire positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, our daily actions are significant 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 provide inspiration and raise awareness about the positive actions that people are making.”