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Our planet might be facing challenges, but optimism persists. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must begin to reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard wildlife around us.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of false information. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor will inspire action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to care 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 to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps the next generation get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”