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The world could be under strain, but optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire individuals to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the very special bond she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“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 herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this undermines collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to begin to reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”