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The world could be under strain, however optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the close relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

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

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good so we have to begin to thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of false information. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal can motivate positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, assists the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”