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Our planet is under strain, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire people to act.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think due to the very special bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good therefore we must begin to reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals around us.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, our daily actions 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 constructive efforts currently in progress.”