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Our planet might be under pressure, but optimism persists. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the close bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must begin to reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed 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.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal can motivate action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about the positive actions currently in progress.”