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The world might be facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the very special connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally is conducting a war on science. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must begin to thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become contested where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal will spur action. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, helps the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about constructive efforts currently in progress.”