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The world could be under strain, however there is hope. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the close connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement 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 award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate globally represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to really start thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe it was a good time to follow her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread 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 when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor will spur action. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”