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Earth is under strain, but optimism persists. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to inspire the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

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

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the close bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to begin to reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will inspire action. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”