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The world could be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to inspire the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the unique bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance globally represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to begin to thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of false information. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the youth get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”