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Earth might be under strain, yet there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire the public to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

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

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must begin to reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe it was a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become contested when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about the positive actions currently in progress.”