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Our planet might be under pressure, however optimism persists. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the close relationship she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken 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 – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Present governance globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to commence reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe it was an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with the other animals around us.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming contested where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that the medal can motivate positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”