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Earth might be under strain, yet there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the close connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to commence reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will inspire action. “It’s about motivating others to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”