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Earth might be under strain, yet optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having 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. This is likely because of the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally is conducting a war on science. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change how we regard wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact 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 offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”