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Our planet might be under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate the public to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the close relationship she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

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

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to begin to thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

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

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become contested where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will spur positive change. “It’s about motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, people can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”