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Earth might be facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

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

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

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

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to really start reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate action. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”