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Earth might be under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the close relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good so we have to begin to reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to follow 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 priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor will spur action. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”