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The world might be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will encourage people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good so we have to commence reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become contested where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”