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The world could be under strain, but there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will inspire individuals to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the unique connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good therefore we must begin to reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of false information. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists the next generation get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”