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The world is facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect life on Earth.

Award Details

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

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good so we have to commence reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”