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Earth is facing challenges, however there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will motivate individuals to make a difference.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must begin to thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” 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 hope remains that the medal will inspire positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”