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Earth could be facing challenges, however optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique relationship she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

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

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good which means we need to begin to reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change the way we treat the other animals around us.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that this honor will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is encouraging people to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, helps the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”