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Earth might be under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire people to make a difference.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect 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, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the very special connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal can motivate action. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”