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Earth could be under pressure, however optimism persists. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will encourage people to take action.

The medal will honor in honour of the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think due to the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled 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 award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to really start thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of false information. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor will inspire action. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”