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The world might be under pressure, yet there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to inspire people to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the close connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good therefore we must really start reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming contested when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal can motivate action. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”