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Our planet could be under pressure, but optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will encourage individuals to make a difference.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think because of the close relationship she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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 very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to really start reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will inspire action. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about constructive efforts currently in progress.”