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Our planet could be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire individuals to take action.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the very special relationship she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good which means we need to really start reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will spur action. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”