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The world might be facing challenges, yet there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

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

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

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

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to begin to thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor will spur positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”