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Our planet could be under pressure, however optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

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

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must commence reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor will spur positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”