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Earth is facing challenges, but there is hope. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will motivate the public to take action.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation undermines collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to really start reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of false information. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become contested when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will spur action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”