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The world might be facing challenges, yet there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will encourage individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise those who advocate for the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

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

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must really start reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to follow her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal can motivate positive change. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” 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 people are making.”