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Earth could be facing challenges, but optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise those who protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the unique relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with the other animals around us.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal will spur action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about the positive actions that people are making.”