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The world is under strain, but there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the very special relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. So this undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to really start thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal can motivate action. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the next generation get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about the positive actions currently in progress.”