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Our planet is under strain, yet there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate individuals to act.

The medal will honor in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the very special relationship she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good which means we need to really start thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal can motivate action. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, helps the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”