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Our planet is facing challenges, but optimism persists. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the close connection she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“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,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good so we have to commence reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur positive change. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists young people get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”