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Our planet might be under pressure, however optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire individuals to act.

The medal will honor in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who champion life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think due to the unique connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to commence thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists young people get involved 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 the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”