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The world might be facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire people to act.

The medal will be given to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the unique connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good so we have to begin to thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of false information. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will inspire positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the work of an institute which, among its other activities, helps the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about the positive actions currently in progress.”