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Our planet is under strain, yet there is hope. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to inspire people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support 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 – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must commence reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur action. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”