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Earth might be under pressure, but there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage people to act.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must really start reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” 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 goal remains that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the work of an institute that, among its other activities, assists the youth become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about the positive actions currently in progress.”