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The world might be facing challenges, but optimism persists. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to motivate people to take action.

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

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the very special bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good therefore we must begin to reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It’s about motivating others to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”