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Earth is under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will motivate the public to take action.

The medal will honor to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the unique bond she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will 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.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance globally is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to begin to thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of false information. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about motivating others to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”