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The world could be under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to motivate people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the unique connection she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal will spur positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about the positive actions currently in progress.”