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The world could be under strain, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will inspire the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the very special relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must commence thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe it was a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

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

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor can motivate action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the work of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers young people get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”