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Earth is under strain, yet there is hope. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to inspire people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the very special relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must commence reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to follow her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently involves the spread of false information. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”