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Our planet is under strain, but optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

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

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the close connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created 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 stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good which means we need to commence thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic currently was highlighted of false information. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal will inspire action. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, people can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”