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The world might be facing challenges, yet there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire individuals to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special relationship she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good therefore we must commence reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will inspire positive change. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, people can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”