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Earth might be facing challenges, but there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will motivate individuals to take action.

The medal will honor in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who protect the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the close relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

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

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally is conducting a war on science. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must commence thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved with their community, 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 what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”