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Earth is under pressure, however there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire individuals to act.

The medal will be given in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think because of the unique relationship she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – 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 was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must really start thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”