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Earth might be facing challenges, but there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to motivate people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

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

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must commence thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal can motivate positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”