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Our planet is under strain, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to encourage individuals to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

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

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to really start thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor can motivate action. “It’s about encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”