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Our planet could be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will motivate the public to act.

The medal will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the very special connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation 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 modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Present governance globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good therefore we must commence reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of false information. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will inspire action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists young people get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”