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The world might be facing challenges, but optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate the public to make a difference.

The medal will be given in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the close connection she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

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

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

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

Another key issue at present involves the spread of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor will spur positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”