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Earth might be under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate individuals to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who advocate for the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

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

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think because of the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

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

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. So this really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to commence reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality 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 by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”