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Earth could be under strain, but there is hope. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to inspire the public to make a difference.

The medal will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise those who protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special bond she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good therefore we must really start reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of false information. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor will spur positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, assists the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, 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 raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”