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Earth could be under pressure, however optimism persists. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage people to make a difference.

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

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the close bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to commence reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of false information. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”