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The world could be under strain, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

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

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the close relationship she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance globally represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to really start reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about constructive efforts that people are making.”