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The world could be facing challenges, yet optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to motivate people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the close bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to commence reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of false information. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become contested when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal can motivate positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often 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 provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”