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Earth is facing challenges, yet optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire individuals to take action.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise those who champion the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

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

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the very special relationship she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must really start reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic currently is the proliferation of false information. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become contested when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will spur positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”