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Earth could be facing challenges, but there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who advocate for the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the close bond she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

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

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to follow her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic today involves the spread of false information. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”