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Our planet could be under pressure, yet there is hope. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire individuals to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the very special bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to begin to thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, people can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”