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The world is facing challenges, yet there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

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

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the close bond she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to really start reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor will spur positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts currently in progress.”