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Earth might be under pressure, but optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

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

“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 an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance globally is conducting a war on science. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to commence reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming contested when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the work of an institute which, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”