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The world might be under strain, however optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will encourage individuals to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the very special connection she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

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

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to really start reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of false information. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”