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Our planet might be facing challenges, but optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire the public to act.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good which means we need to begin to thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently involves the spread of false information. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become contested where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, assists young people become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”