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The world might be under pressure, however optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will encourage individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Present governance globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to begin to reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic today was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal will inspire action. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”