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The world is under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus will motivate individuals to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the close relationship she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to really start reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality has become contested where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor will spur positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”