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The world might be under strain, however there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think because of the very special bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good so we have to really start reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that this honor will spur concrete steps. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”