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Earth could be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate the public to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to begin to reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with the other animals around us.”

Another key issue today involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will inspire action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”