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The world is under strain, however optimism persists. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage individuals to take action.

The medal will be given in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced 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,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good which means we need to begin to reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of false information. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor will inspire positive change. “It’s about motivating others to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”