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Earth is facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire people to act.

The medal is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the very special connection she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good which means we need to commence thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard wildlife around us.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the work of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”