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The world could be facing challenges, but optimism persists. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to inspire people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the close connection she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

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

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good so we have to really start reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “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 our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will spur positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”