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Earth is under pressure, yet optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to inspire individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think due to the very special relationship she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to begin to reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire action. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”