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Earth is under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

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 Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the close connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to commence reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of false information. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about the positive actions that people are making.”