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Earth could be under pressure, yet optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate individuals to make a difference.

The medal will be given in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

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

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the close bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to commence reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that the medal will inspire action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, people can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”