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Earth could be under strain, yet there is hope. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will encourage individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who advocate for the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

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

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good so we have to really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of false information. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists young people get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”