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Earth is facing challenges, however optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to encourage the public to act.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the very special relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good therefore we must commence reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will spur action. “It’s about motivating others to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about constructive efforts that people are making.”