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Earth is facing challenges, but optimism persists. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire people to take action.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, 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 due to the unique connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally is conducting a war on science. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to really start reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will spur action. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists young people become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”