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Our planet is facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the very special bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good which means we need to begin to thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, assists the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”