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Our planet might be under pressure, however there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will motivate people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the very special bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to really start reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, assists the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that people are making.”