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The world might be under strain, but optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think due to the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to commence reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife around us.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal will inspire action. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”