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Our planet is under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to motivate individuals to take action.

The medal will be given in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

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

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must commence thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor can motivate action. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers the youth get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”