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The world could be under strain, however there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

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

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the close connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must commence thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences 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, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal will inspire action. “It’s about encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”