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Earth could be facing challenges, but optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the unique bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

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

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

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

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”