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Our planet might be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will motivate the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the close bond she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good so we have to begin to reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of disinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will inspire action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, helps the next generation get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly 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. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”