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The world might be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will inspire individuals to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the close relationship she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform how we regard wildlife around us.”

A major topic currently is the proliferation of false information. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming contested where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will spur action. “It’s about motivating others to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps the youth get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”