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The world might be facing challenges, yet optimism persists. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to encourage people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

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

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the very special bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good so we have to commence reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of false information. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”