🔗 Share this article

Our planet could be under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to encourage people to make a difference.

The medal will be given in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise those who protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies globally represents a war on science. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to begin to thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor can motivate positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists young people get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”