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The world could be under strain, yet there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate people to take action.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

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

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think due to the close connection she shared with the festival.”

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

Format and Inspiration

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

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must begin to reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change the way we treat wildlife around us.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will spur positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day 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 provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”