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Earth could be under pressure, yet there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate individuals to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think because of the unique connection she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must commence reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of false information. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will spur positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and once enabled, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”