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Earth is facing challenges, but there is hope. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will motivate people to make a difference.

The medal will honor in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think due to the very special bond she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal 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 for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to really start thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of false information. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming contested when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, people can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about constructive efforts that people are making.”