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The world is under pressure, however optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will encourage people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

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

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must begin to thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will inspire action. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”