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Our planet could be under strain, but there is hope. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that the medal will inspire action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall 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,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”