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Earth might be under strain, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage people to act.

The medal will honor in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise those who champion life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the very special connection she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must commence reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”