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The world could be under pressure, yet optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire the public to make a difference.

The medal will honor in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think because of the close bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good so we have to begin to reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal can motivate action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about the positive actions that people are making.”