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Earth could be facing challenges, however optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

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

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good so we have to commence reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern at present is the proliferation of false information. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality has become contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal will spur positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”