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Earth could be facing challenges, however there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to encourage individuals to make a difference.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the close connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat wildlife around us.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming contested where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will spur action. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps young people get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”