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Our planet might be facing challenges, but there is hope. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate the public to act.

The medal will be given in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

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

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the unique connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet 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 indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must commence thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat the other animals around us.”

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

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor will spur action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”