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The world might be under strain, however there is hope. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate the public to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in honour of the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced 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 Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated 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 for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good so we have to begin to thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will inspire positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”