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The world might be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to encourage individuals to act.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to begin to thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat the other animals around us.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, people can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”