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Earth is facing challenges, but there is hope. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the very special connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” 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. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to commence reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to follow her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

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

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact 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 increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”