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Earth might be under pressure, however optimism persists. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to motivate individuals to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

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

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the very special connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival 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,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will spur action. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”