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The world might be facing challenges, but there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to inspire the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the very special bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance globally is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of next year’s 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. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”