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Our planet might be under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will motivate individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think due to the very special relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to really start reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of false information. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor will inspire positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”