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Our planet might be under strain, but optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the very special relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to commence reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

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

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal can motivate positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”