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Earth could be facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will inspire individuals to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the very special bond she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must really start reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal can motivate action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference 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 offer support and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”