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The world is facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to inspire the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the unique relationship she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good which means we need to commence reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

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

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal can motivate positive change. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”