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Our planet could be facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A new award from 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 renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to commence thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “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 change the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently was highlighted of false information. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will spur positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”