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The world is under strain, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will encourage people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who champion the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

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

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure said, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

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

“It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will inspire positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”