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Our planet is under strain, yet a sense of hope remains. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to motivate individuals to act.

The medal will honor in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion 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 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to really start thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested when politics are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”