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Our planet is under pressure, however there is hope. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus will encourage the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former 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. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the very special connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor can motivate action. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to care and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact 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 offer support and raise awareness about constructive efforts that people are making.”