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The world is facing challenges, however optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire people to make a difference.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique relationship she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must begin to reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will spur positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts currently in progress.”