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Earth is under strain, however there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to begin to thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about the positive actions that people are making.”