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Earth could be under pressure, but optimism persists. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage people to act.

The medal will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed during 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 vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the close connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies globally represents a war on science. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good therefore we must begin to reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor can motivate positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”