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The world might be under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate individuals to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the unique bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

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

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good so we have to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform how we regard wildlife around us.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of false information. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will inspire positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps the youth become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about the positive actions that people are making.”