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Our planet could be facing challenges, but there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate the public to act.

The medal will honor in honour of the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance globally is conducting a war on science. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to begin to reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, pointing to the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”