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Earth could be facing challenges, however optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the very special connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to commence reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change the way we treat wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern currently was highlighted of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will spur action. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”