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Our planet is under pressure, but there is hope. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to encourage individuals to take action.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

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

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the very special relationship she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate globally is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to commence reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with the other animals around us.”

A major topic currently was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become contested where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, helps the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”