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Earth might be under pressure, however there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will motivate individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think due to the very special bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to begin to reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality has become contested 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 from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will inspire positive change. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”