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Earth could be facing challenges, however optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to inspire people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good so we have to commence thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor will spur action. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the work of an institute which, among its other activities, helps young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”