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Earth might be facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire the public to act.

The medal will be given in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the unique relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will spur concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”