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The world could be facing challenges, yet optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to inspire 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 protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the unique connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – 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,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must commence reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today involves the spread of false information. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will spur action. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers young people get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”