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Our planet might be facing challenges, yet there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the close bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A major topic currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions are significant 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 increase understanding about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”