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Our planet could be facing challenges, however optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire the public to act.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. So this undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good so we have to really start reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor can motivate positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”