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Earth could be facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to commence reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor will spur positive change. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly 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 give encouragement and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”