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Earth might be under strain, however there is hope. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to inspire the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

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

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good which means we need to commence thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming contested where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire action. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to care and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact 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 about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”