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Earth could be under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire people to make a difference.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the close connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to commence thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern at present is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”