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The world is under strain, yet there is hope. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will inspire individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the close connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance globally is conducting a war on science. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must really start reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal can motivate action. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact 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 about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”