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The world is under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to inspire individuals to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

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

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to really start reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists young people become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”