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The world could be under pressure, however there is hope. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to inspire people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special bond she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines collective action.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good therefore we must begin to reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of disinformation. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will spur action. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”