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Our planet could be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to motivate the public to make a difference.

The medal will honor in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the unique connection she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation undermines collective action.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good so we have to begin to reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of false information. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become contested when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor will inspire action. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”