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Our planet could be under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

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

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to commence thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to follow her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with the other animals around us.”

Another key issue at present was highlighted of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about the positive actions that people are making.”