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The world could be under strain, but optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to inspire people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the very special relationship she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to commence reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”