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The world is under strain, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to encourage the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely 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 provide encouragement to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must commence reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic today involves the spread of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will spur action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about constructive efforts that people are making.”