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Our planet might be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire people to take action.

The medal will honor to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to begin to reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”