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Our planet is under pressure, however there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire individuals to act.

The medal will honor to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the very special relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will spur positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”