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Earth could be facing challenges, however there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will motivate individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good which means we need to really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal will spur positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions 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 this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about the positive actions currently in progress.”