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Our planet is under pressure, yet there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think because of the very special connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to really start reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”