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The world might be facing challenges, yet optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to motivate people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

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

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the very special connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to really start thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

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

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”