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Our planet is under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to motivate the public to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the unique connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

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

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to commence reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change how we regard wildlife around us.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will inspire positive change. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, people can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, 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 increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”