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The world might be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the close relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must really start reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will inspire positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference 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 increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”