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Our planet might be under strain, but there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to inspire people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the unique connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was 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 globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to begin to reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will spur positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”