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Our planet might be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the close connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to begin to reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will inspire positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the work of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”