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Our planet might be under strain, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire individuals to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must really start reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe it was a good time to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor can motivate action. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to care and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that people are making.”