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The world could be under strain, however there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to inspire individuals to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

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

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good so we have to commence reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern currently involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor can motivate positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”