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Earth is facing challenges, however there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will motivate people to take action.

The medal will honor to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that 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, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the very special relationship she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must commence thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor will spur action. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”