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The world is under strain, but a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will encourage the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

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

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good so we have to begin to reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently was highlighted of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will inspire action. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the work of an institute which, among its other activities, assists young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”