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The world might be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to motivate individuals to act.

The medal will be given in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think because of the close connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member.

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 will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must begin to reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that this honor will inspire action. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about constructive efforts currently in progress.”