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Earth could be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to motivate individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the close relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good therefore we must really start thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will spur positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”