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Earth might be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire the public to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the close bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must begin to thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will inspire positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”