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Earth might be facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

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

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to begin to reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”