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The world is facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at 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 to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the unique connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard the other animals around us.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, people can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, pointing to the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”