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The world might be under pressure, however there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to motivate the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the very special relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good so we have to commence thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, assists the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”