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Earth might be facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate individuals to act.

The medal will be given in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to begin to thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that the medal will spur action. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”