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Earth could be under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will encourage the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who protect the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the very special bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good so we have to really start reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists young people get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, 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 offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”