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The world might be facing challenges, however there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

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 endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives 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.

Structure and Vision

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

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must really start reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of false information. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will spur positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, our daily actions make a difference 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 that are being undertaken.”