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Earth is under strain, yet a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge 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 next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think due to the unique connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders 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 for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must begin to reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic today involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”