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Our planet could be under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to motivate individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the unique bond she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will inspire action. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about the positive actions currently in progress.”