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Our planet could be facing challenges, however optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire individuals to make a difference.

The medal will be given to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the unique connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to commence thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will inspire action. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”