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Our planet might be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to motivate people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the close connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good which means we need to begin to reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that the medal will spur action. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”