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Our planet is facing challenges, yet there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage the public to take action.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to really start thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A major topic currently was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”