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Earth is under strain, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the very special bond she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

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

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must begin to reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal will inspire action. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”