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The world might be facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to motivate individuals to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the very special relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must commence thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently was highlighted of false information. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”