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Our planet could be under pressure, however optimism persists. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to inspire the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who champion the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the unique bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Present governance globally represents a war on science. So this really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good so we have to begin to thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern currently involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”