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Earth could be facing challenges, however there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the unique connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance globally is conducting a war on science. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good so we have to commence reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal will spur action. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists young people get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”