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Earth might be under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special bond she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must really start thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

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

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, helps the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”