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Earth is under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “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 because of the very special connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance globally represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must really start reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

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

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal will inspire positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about the positive actions that people are making.”