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The world is under strain, but optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will inspire the public to act.

The medal will be given in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the unique bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must begin to thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that people are making.”