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Our planet is under strain, however there is hope. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to motivate individuals to act.

The medal will be given in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think because of the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance globally represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to commence reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of false information. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”