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Our planet could be facing challenges, however there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the very special bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to begin to thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming contested when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”