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Earth might be under strain, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate individuals to make a difference.

The medal will be given in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the close relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good therefore we must begin to reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of false information. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor will spur positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about constructive efforts currently in progress.”