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Earth could be under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the unique bond she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue 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 have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to really start reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal will spur positive change. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”