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Our planet is under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to inspire the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

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

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must commence reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of false information. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor will spur positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, pointing to the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts currently in progress.”