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The world is under strain, but optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire the public to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the close connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard wildlife around us.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”