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Our planet might be under pressure, yet optimism persists. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will inspire people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

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

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good so we have to commence reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform how we regard wildlife around us.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will inspire action. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”