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Our planet could be under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus will motivate people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the unique connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to really start thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard wildlife around us.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor will inspire action. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”