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

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the unique connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this undermines collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good so we have to begin to reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal can motivate positive change. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists young people become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”