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Earth could be under strain, yet there is hope. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to inspire individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close relationship she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must begin to thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that the medal 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 our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, assists young people get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”