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The world might be under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good so we have to begin to thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal can motivate action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the next generation get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, 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. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about the positive actions currently in progress.”