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Our planet might be under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire individuals to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the unique connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good which means we need to commence reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform how we regard wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal can motivate action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant 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 offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”