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Our planet might be under pressure, but there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire the public to take action.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

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

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to begin to thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal can motivate action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”