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Our planet might be under strain, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the very special connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to begin to thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

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

“We realised that factual reality has become contested where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor will spur positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, people can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps young people get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”