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The world could be facing challenges, yet there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate individuals to make a difference.

The medal will be given in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the very special connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. So this undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good therefore we must really start thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”