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The world could be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will encourage individuals to make a difference.

The medal will be given in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the very special bond she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet improved 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 noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to really start reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor can motivate action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the work of an institute which, among its other activities, assists the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that people are making.”