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The world could be under strain, but there is hope. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the close connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled 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 established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance globally represents a war on science. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good which means we need to begin to thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with the other animals around us.”

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

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will inspire action. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the work of an institute which, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about the positive actions currently in progress.”