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

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the unique relationship she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

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

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Certain policies globally represents a war on science. So this really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must commence reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”