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Earth might be under strain, but there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the close connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change the way we treat the other animals around us.”

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

“We realised that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”