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Our planet could be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will encourage the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the close connection she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced 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,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good therefore we must commence reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to follow her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the work of an institute that, among its other activities, helps the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts currently in progress.”