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The world is facing challenges, however there is hope. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will motivate individuals to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the very special bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. So this undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to commence reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe it was an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”