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Our planet could be under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will encourage people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

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

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to begin to thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will inspire action. “It’s about motivating others to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”