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The world could be under strain, however optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to inspire the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

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

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to begin to thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire positive change. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”