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Earth could be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the close bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must commence reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become contested where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”