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The world could be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the very special bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be very much similar to 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.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to commence thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of false information. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor will spur action. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”