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Earth might be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to inspire people to take action.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to really start thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to follow her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, people can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, helps the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”