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Earth is under strain, but a sense of hope remains. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage individuals to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the very special relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must really start reflecting, 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 our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present was highlighted of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will spur action. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that people are making.”