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Earth could be under strain, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the unique bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to commence thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of false information. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will inspire action. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers young people get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”