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Our planet might be facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to inspire people to act.

The medal will be given in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the close connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must begin to reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal will spur positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps young people get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”