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The world is facing challenges, however there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to inspire individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to begin to reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to care and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”