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Earth might be facing challenges, yet there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will encourage individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

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

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must begin to reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of false information. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming contested when politics are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about motivating others to participate and to care and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”