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The world could be under pressure, but there is hope. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to inspire the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next 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 the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special bond she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus stated 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 award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must commence thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern currently was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that the medal will inspire action. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day 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 give encouragement and increase understanding about the positive actions that people are making.”