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Earth might be facing challenges, yet there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage people to act.

The medal will be given in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise those who protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think because of the close relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform how we regard wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of false information. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal can motivate positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”