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Our planet is under pressure, but optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will motivate the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the close connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“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. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good therefore we must begin to reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform how we regard wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, helps the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”