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The world might be under strain, but optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the very special relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. So this undermines collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to really start reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of false information. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will spur positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about constructive efforts currently in progress.”