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Earth might be under strain, yet there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good so we have to begin to reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will spur action. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, pointing to the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”