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Our planet is under strain, yet optimism persists. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will encourage the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with the other animals around us.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor will spur action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about constructive efforts that people are making.”