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Earth is under pressure, but optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to encourage individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the very special bond she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good therefore we must begin to thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of false information. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”