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The world might be under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to inspire people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the close bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on 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 – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must really start thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change the way we treat wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming contested when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor can motivate positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”