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Our planet could be under strain, yet there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate the public to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the very special relationship she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

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

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become contested where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal can motivate action. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, people can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, assists young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“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 provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”